Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce
A comforting Tanzanian dish pairing creamy cornmeal ugali with sautéed collard greens in a tangy tomato sauce. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends water, cornmeal (maize flour), vegetable oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups cornmeal (maize flour)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium, sliced onion
- 2 large, diced tomato
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups sukuma wiki (collard greens), chopped
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 2 cups cornmeal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently for 10-15 minutes until thick and smooth, forming the ugali. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 large diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a slightly thick sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped sukuma wiki (collard greens), 1.5 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the greens are tender but still bright green.
- Step 6: Serve the hot ugali alongside the sautéed sukuma wiki and tomato sauce for a traditional Tanzanian meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce?
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 Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce 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 Stewed Ugali with Sukuma Wiki and Tomato Sauce 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.
