Ugali (Rwandan Cornmeal Porridge)
Ugali is a staple food in Rwanda and many other African countries. It is a simple and versatile dish made from cornmeal and water, cooked to a thick and smooth consistency. Ugali is often enjoyed alongside various stews, curries, or sautéed vegetables. Follow this detailed recipe to create a delicious and comforting bowl of Ugali in your own kitchen.

Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups cornmeal
- Salt, to taste
Ingredients for 4 servings (1.3 kg) · the original recipe
Method
- 1
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
Stovetop - 2
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent any lumps from forming.
- 3
Continue stirring the mixture over low heat for about 15–20 minutes until it thickens and the cornmeal is cooked through. The porridge should have a smooth and thick consistency.
Stovetop - 4
Season with salt, to taste. Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.
- 5
Remove the pot from the heat and let the ugali rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.
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