Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Kenya’s staple maize flour porridge served with a tangy and savory tomato and onion relish to brighten each bite. This african-inspired rice & grains 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish?

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 Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish?

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 Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish 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 Maize Flour Ugali with Tomato and Onion Relish?

African rice & grains 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.

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