Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge with Tomato and Onion Relish

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

A traditional Tanzanian staple, Ugali made from cornmeal served with a vibrant tomato and onion relish spiced with ginger and chili for a comforting meal. This african-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs cornmeal (maize flour), water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 African cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup cornmeal to avoid lumps, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 10-12 minutes until thick and smooth with no raw flour taste.
  3. Step 3: Remove Ugali from heat and cover to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped red onion, 1 tsp minced fresh ginger, and 1 small finely chopped red chili (optional). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and spices become fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 medium diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; cook for another 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a chunky relish.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot Ugali by scooping portions onto plates and topping or serving alongside the tomato and onion relish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge with Tomato and Onion Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge 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 cornmeal (maize flour) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge 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 Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge 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.

Is Spiced Ugali Cornmeal Porridge with Tomato and Onion Relish vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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