Steamed Ugali Cake with Spinach and Coconut

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A soft and savory ugali cake steamed with fresh spinach and creamy coconut milk, offering a nutritious twist on the classic Tanzanian staple. This African-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, layers cornmeal (maize flour), water, fresh spinach, chopped into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 35 min Serves 4 African cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil over high heat with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  2. Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup cornmeal into the boiling water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook the ugali mixture, stirring every 2-3 minutes for 10 minutes, until thick and firm but moist.
  4. Step 4: In a separate pan, sauté 2 cups chopped fresh spinach over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Gently fold the cooked spinach and 1/2 cup coconut milk into the ugali mixture until evenly incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a lightly oiled round baking dish and steam over simmering water for 20 minutes until the cake is set and firm to the touch.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm as a comforting side dish.

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