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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

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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.


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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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