🇷🇼 Rwandan Cuisine

Ugali

Stiff Cornmeal Porridge

Prep Time 20 min

Servings 4

Difficulty Easy

Calories 354 kcal

A firm, starchy side made by stirring cornmeal into boiling water until thick and moldable, the cornerstone starch of Rwandan meals.

Ingredients

1 Bring water and salt to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat.
2 Gradually sprinkle in cornmeal while stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
3 Reduce heat to low and continue stirring firmly for ten minutes as the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides.
4 Shape into a dome on a serving plate, pressing with a wet spoon for a smooth surface. Serve immediately alongside stews.

Did You Know?

Rwandan families judge a cook's skill by the smoothness of their ugali — no lumps is a point of pride.