Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Kenyan cornmeal porridge served with simmered collard greens and a rich, fragrant beef stew simmered in tomatoes and warm spices. This african-inspired beef ready in about 75 minutes pairs water, cornmeal (maize flour), salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 African cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon for about 15 minutes until thick and smooth.
  2. Step 2: While the ugali simmers, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cubed beef stew meat to the pot and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 2 cups diced tomatoes, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric. Pour in 1 cup water or beef broth, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until beef is tender.
  4. Step 4: In the last 10 minutes of stew cooking, stir in 4 cups chopped kale or collard greens (sukuma wiki) and cook until wilted and tender. Season the stew and greens with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve the thick ugali by scooping portions onto plates alongside generous ladles of the spiced beef stew with sukuma wiki.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef 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 water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef 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 Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef 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 Simmered Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Spiced Beef Stew?

African beef 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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