Ugali
Ugali is a traditional Kenyan dish made from cornmeal (also known as corn flour or maize flour). It is a staple food in many parts of Kenya and is often served with a side of vegetables or meat, such as Sukuma wiki (collard greens) or Nyama Choma (grilled meat).

Here is a simple recipe for Ugali, a traditional Kenyan dish made from cornmeal:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Slowly add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the Ugali cool for a few minutes.
- Use a spoon or spatula to transfer the Ugali to a serving dish.
- Serve the Ugali hot, with a side of vegetables or meat of your choice.
Optional: You can also add a small amount of butter or oil to the Ugali while it is cooking to add flavor and moisture.
Note: You can adjust the thickness of the Ugali by adding more or less cornmeal to the water. If the Ugali is too thick, you can add a little more water to the mixture. If it is too thin, you can add a little more cornmeal.
Tips for preparation of Ugali
Here is a simple recipe for Ugali, a traditional Kenyan dish made from cornmeal:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Slowly add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and forms a dough-like consistency.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the Ugali cool for a few minutes.
- Use a spoon or spatula to transfer the Ugali to a serving dish.
- Serve the Ugali hot, with a side of vegetables or meat of your choice.
Optional: You can also add a small amount of butter or oil to the Ugali while it is cooking to add flavor and moisture.
Note: You can adjust the thickness of the Ugali by adding more or less cornmeal to the water. If the Ugali is too thick, you can add a little more water to the mixture. If it is too thin, you can add a little more cornmeal.
Ugali serving size
The serving size for Ugali, a traditional Kenyan dish made from cornmeal, will depend on the size of the portion and the appetite of the person eating it. As a rough guide, a serving size of Ugali could be around 1/2 cup of the cooked mixture, which is equivalent to approximately 100 grams. This serving size is suitable as a side dish or as part of a larger meal. If you are eating Ugali as a main dish, you may want to increase the serving size to 1 cup (200 grams) or more, depending on your appetite and the size of the portion. It is important to remember that the serving size for Ugali will also depend on your overall daily caloric needs and your specific dietary goals.
Ugali nutrition value
Ugali, a traditional Kenyan dish made from cornmeal, is a staple food that is rich in carbohydrates and provides a good source of energy. A 1/2 cup (100 grams) serving of Ugali contains approximately:
- 143 calories
- 29 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of protein
- 0 grams of fat
- 2 grams of fiber
Ugali is a low-fat, low-protein, and low-sugar food, and it does not contain any cholesterol or saturated fat. It is also low in sodium and does not contain any added sugars or artificial ingredients.
While Ugali provides a good source of energy, it is important to remember that it is a staple food that should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is a good idea to pair Ugali with a side of vegetables or protein-rich foods to create a more balanced and nutritionally complete meal.