Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens
A classic Tanzanian meal pairing dense, steamed cornmeal ugali with savory braised collard greens flavored with garlic and tomatoes. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cornmeal (maize flour), divided water, divided 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
- 1 cup cornmeal (maize flour)
- 3 cups, divided water
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 medium, chopped ripe tomatoes
- 4 cups chopped collard greens (or kale)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 2 1/2 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup cornmeal to prevent lumps, stirring continuously.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon for 10-12 minutes until thickened to a dense, dough-like consistency. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced medium onion, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 chopped ripe tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened and saucy.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups chopped collard greens and 1/2 tsp salt plus 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until greens are tender and well coated with the tomato mixture.
- Step 6: Serve the hot ugali by scooping portions onto plates alongside the braised sukuma wiki greens for a hearty, traditional Tanzanian meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens?
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 Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens?
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 Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens 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 Steamed Ugali with Braised Sukuma Wiki Greens 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.
