Phala

Phala

Phala (PAH-lah)

Thin Maize Porridge

Prep Time 5 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
4
🔥 Calories 220 kcal

A thin, smooth maize porridge served warm for breakfast, sweetened with sugar or enriched with groundnut flour.

Nutrition & Info

220 kcal per serving
Protein 5.0g
Carbs 46.0g
Fat 2.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ peanuts

Equipment Needed

saucepan whisk

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: sugar sprinkle, groundnut flour

Accompaniments: mandasi

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix maize flour with 1 cup cold water to make slurry.

  2. 2

    Boil remaining water.

  3. 3

    Pour slurry into boiling water, stirring constantly.

  4. 4

    Cook 10 minutes until smooth.

  5. 5

    Add sugar and groundnut flour if desired.

💡

Did You Know?

Phala is the first food many Malawian babies eat, thinned down for weaning.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • saucepan
  • whisk

Garnishing

sugar sprinkle, groundnut flour

Accompaniments

mandasi

The Story Behind Phala

Phala, thin maize porridge, has been a fundamental breakfast food in Malawi since maize became the country's dominant grain following its introduction from the Americas in the 16th century. The tradition of preparing a smooth, warm porridge as the first meal of the day is shared across much of southern and eastern Africa. In Malawi, phala is often enriched with groundnut flour or sugar and remains the most common breakfast for both children and adults.

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