This unique, polenta-like side dish is a Tanzanian favorite, traditionally served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Made by rolling a tiny bit of creamy, thick cornmeal paste (made from cooked white maize) in a hand until it forms into a ball, and making an indentation in it with a thumb, ugali becomes an edible spoon that is often dipped into various stews and sauces.
The sign of a good ugali is that it doesn't stick to your fingers. The whole thing is usually dipped in a savory sauce, then placed in the mouth for consumption. Ugali is more than just a taste, it is a food culture in itself. This dish is usually served with whatever meat is available, mashed vegetables, stews, or sour milk.
MOST ICONIC Ugali
Mukimo is a popular Kenyan one-pot dish consisting of potatoes, corn, beans, peas, and greens that are cooked in water with some salt, then mashed into a purée. The name of the dish is derived from the word kima, meaning to mash.
It is traditionally served at Kenyan celebrations, especially funerals and weddings, either as it is, or as an accompaniment to chicken or beef stews.
Wali wa kukaanga is a delicious Kenyan dish made by combining boiled rice with turmeric, onions, oil, and vegetables such as carrots, peas, and corn. The combination of rice and vegetables is then fried, and the whole dish is served as an accompaniment to chicken dishes.
It is recommended to pair wali wa kukaanga with a salad of choice on the side.
Irio is a hearty Kenyan dish with origins from the Kikuyu people. Although it has many variations, it usually consists of potatoes, peas, and corn that are boiled and mashed together. Simple, healthy, and comforting, irio is often served as a side dish, and it is especially popular when paired with grilled steak in a dish known as nyama na irio.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pilipili ya maembe is a healthy Kenyan chutney made with mango as the key ingredient. Apart from peeled and sliced mango, the chutney is made with ginger, onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, coriander, hot peppers, vinegar, and oil. All of the ingredients are blended together until the chutney develops a smooth, thin consistency.
Pilipili ya maembe is typically served with a variety of chicken and rice dishes or snacks such as bajias.
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