Ugali Porridge (OO-Gah-Li)

Kenya is home to many of Africa’s traditional meals and comfort foods. A delicious dish that is enjoyed over every family dinner in Kenya is Ugali. Ugali is a type of thick porridge made of ground corn. Ugali can be accompanied by meat or vegetable stews. It is a simple, yet healthy side dish that allows for many variations to be created so that children will always have something new to look forward to when eating.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 1⁄2 cups of white or yellow cornmeal
• Salt if desired

SUPPLIES:

• Wooden spoon
• Pan
• Spatula
• Whisk

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: PREP THE PAN

Pour the water into a saucepan and have it reach a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water if wanting a bit more saltiness.

STEP 2: ADD THE CORNMEAL

Reduce the heat to a low setting, and while stirring with a whisk, add the cornmeal to the boiling water.

STEP 3: COOK AND OBSERVE

Continue cooking and stirring the ugali, now with a wooden spoon, until it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan and hold together. Place it quickly onto a serving plate.

STEP 4: ADD MEAT AND VEGGIES

Include any type of meat or veggies your family may like onto the serving dish and enjoy!

WHAT CHILDREN LEARN:

• Following step-by-step instructions
• Simple cooking and measuring skills
• Cultural connections through food
• Collaboration

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

Talk about what makes Ugali a comforting dish for your family and decide on possible future combinations of food to eat with Ugali together!