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For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

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Ugali Sukuma Wiki Traditional Kenyan Recipe

Learn to make Ugali and Sukuma Wiki

Ugali Sukuma Wiki Traditional Kenyan Recipe

Learn to make Ugali and Sukuma Wiki
Ugali is a dish made of various types of flours cooked in boiling liquid into a soft dough. Ugali is the most common staple starch in the recipes of the African Great Lakes region and Southern Africa. 

In the African Great Lakes region and many parts of East Africa, sukuma wiki or collard greens is a common dish. The word for word translation of the phrase sukuma wiki is to push the week since it is a vegetable that is affordable. 

Sukuma wiki is usually eaten together with Ugali for dinner in the African Great Lakes region and many parts of East Africa.

Sukuma Wiki Collard Greens Recipe


Ingredients
2 pounds collard greens, chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large white onion, chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
Salt to taste

Directions
In a large pot, add oil heat on medium high then add onions saute 2 minutes. Add greens and vegetable broth, stir well, cover and cook until greens are soft, 20 minutes. Add tomatoes and salt, cook covered 5 minutes. Serve with ugali.

Easy Ugali Recipe


Ingredients
4 cups finely ground cornmeal
8 cups water

Directions
Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour the cornflour into boiling water. Avoid forming lumps. Stir continuously and mash any lumps that do form. Add more cornflour until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with sukuma wiki collard greens, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is bland tasting on its own.

Sukuma Wiki means to stretch the week and Ugali is a rather low-priced dish, therefore, Ugali and Sukuma Wiki is an inexpensive meal you would cook when you are between paychecks.


African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

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To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.