Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew
A creamy twist on classic Kenyan ugali using coconut milk, paired with a savory sukuma wiki stew simmered with tomatoes and onions for a comforting, hearty meal. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs maize flour (cornmeal), coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup maize flour (cornmeal)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 250 g, chopped sukuma wiki (collard greens)
- 2 medium, chopped tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups coconut milk and 1 cup water to a boil over medium heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup maize flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low and cook the ugali mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon for 10 minutes until thickened and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: While ugali cooks, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in 250 g chopped sukuma wiki, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Cover and simmer the sukuma wiki stew for 8 minutes until the greens are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 6: Serve the coconut milk ugali hot with the sukuma wiki stew spooned on top or alongside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep maize flour (cornmeal) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coconut Milk Ugali with Sukuma Wiki Stew?
African vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
