Ugali with Vegetable Stew
A staple dish in South Sudan, Ugali (a stiff maize porridge) is often served with a flavorful vegetable stew, providing a hearty and nutritious meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Maize flour (cornmeal)
- 4 cups Water(for ugali, plus more as needed)
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 1 cup Okra(chopped)
- 2 cups Spinach(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter(smooth)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the Ugali: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Gradually whisk in maize flour, about 1/4 cup at a time, until a thick porridge forms. Continue to cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for about 10-15 minutes until the ugali is firm and cooked through. Add more flour or water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 2
For the Vegetable Stew: Heat vegetable oil in a separate pot or pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook until tomatoes have softened and released their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add chopped okra and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter with about 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the stew. Stir well to combine.
- 7
Add chopped spinach to the stew. Cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8
Serve the hot ugali alongside the vegetable stew.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the ugali is cooked thoroughly to avoid a raw taste.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the ugali by adding more maize flour for a stiffer porridge or more water for a softer one.
- ✓For a richer stew, you can add a small amount of beef or chicken broth instead of water when making the peanut butter sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens such as collard greens.
- For a spicier stew, add a chopped chili pepper along with the onions.