Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-28 · Updated 2026-06-28

Kenya’s staple maize flour porridge served with a tangy and savory tomato and onion relish to brighten each bite. This African-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs maize flour (cornmeal), water, salt 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

• 2 cups maize flour (cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a heavy saucepan. Gradually add 2 cups maize flour while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides, forming a firm ugali. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and soft.
4. Step 4: Add 2 chopped ripe tomatoes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a chunky relish.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve the hot ugali with a generous spoonful of tomato and onion relish on the side.