Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté
A traditional East African cornmeal cake known as Ugali, paired with a sauté of sukuma wiki (collard greens) flavored with garlic and tomatoes. This african-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes layers cornmeal (maize flour), water, salt 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal (maize flour)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups sukuma wiki (collard greens), chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Gradually add 1 cup cornmeal while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring constantly for 8-10 minutes until thick and pulling away from the sides of the pan, forming a dense cake (ugali).
- Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium diced tomato and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped sukuma wiki (collard greens) and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 6: Serve the ugali by shaping it into a mound or cutting into slices, alongside the hot sukuma wiki sauté.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté?
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 Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté 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 Ugali Cornmeal Cake with Sukuma Wiki Sauté 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.
