Ugali is a traditional African dish made with maize or cornmeal, which is boiled into a thick porridge or dough-like consistency.
It is most commonly served in East Africa, although it can also be found in other parts of the continent. When it comes to what to serve with Ugali, you’ve got no issues.
Moreso, Ugali is a staple food and is usually eaten with the hands, often accompanied by soups, stews, or vegetables.
It is a simple yet delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. Before diving into the list of what to serve with Ugali, let’s know more about the food below.
1. Cornbread
Cornbread, a classic Southern side dish that goes perfectly with the dish, starts off our list of what to serve with ugali.
This rich, buttery bread pairs well with the mild flavor of Ugali and adds a little sweetness to the meal. It’s easy to make at home or pick up a pre-made mix from your local grocery store.
Serve warm and top with melted butter or honey for an extra-special treat. Cornbread can also soak up any leftover sauces or gravies from the meal, adding even more deliciousness to your plate.
2. Fried Plantains
The second on our list of what to serve with ugali is fried plantains, a great complement to Ugali, a traditional African dish.
Fried plantains are made by slicing them and then frying them in oil until they’re golden and crispy. This plantain is sweet and savory and pairs well with the starchiness of Ugali.
Furthermore, it can be served as a side dish or a topping on the Ugali. The sweetness of the fried plantains helps balance out the Ugali flavors and gives it an extra dimension.
They also provide a crunchy texture that goes well with the soft texture of Ugali.
3. Black Beans and Rice
Black beans and rice make a delicious side dish regarding what to serve with ugali.
This is a perfect combination, as the starchiness of the ugali complements the creamy texture of the black beans and rice.
The black beans and rice flavor can be further enhanced by adding onions, garlic, peppers, and other seasonings.
This simple yet tasty side dish can easily be served for a quick meal or a family dinner.
The combination of ugali and black beans and rice creates a balanced meal that everyone can enjoy.
When preparing black beans and rice to serve with ugali, it is important to ensure that the flavors of both dishes are well balanced.
Seasonings such as salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and other spices can be added to both dishes.
Additionally, using either freshly cooked or canned black beans and rice can help to make the dish even tastier.
Once prepared, black beans and rice can be served with ugali for a flavorful and balanced meal.
4. One-Pot African Peanut Stew
Ugali is a traditional dish of Africa that is often served as a thick porridge made from cornmeal.
It can be a great side dish, but it can also be a meal when paired with protein and some veggies.
On our list of what to serve with ugali, one of the best dishes to pair with ugali is African Peanut Stew.
This hearty stew is made with sweet potatoes, peanut butter, tomato paste, and other flavorful spices.
It can be made in one pot for an easy and delicious meal that will fill you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Not only does it pair perfectly with Ugali, but it is also vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those looking for plant-based meals.
5. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a popular side dish in many African countries and an excellent accompaniment to ugali.
These delicious greens are packed with nutritional benefits and make a flavorful side dish to pair with the dense, cornmeal-based ugali.
Collard greens can be boiled or steamed and then seasoned with garlic, ginger, onions, and various spices to give them a unique flavor.
Serve collard greens, as what to serve with ugali meal for a satisfying and nourishing meal. Not only are collard greens incredibly nutritious, but they are also straightforward to prepare.
You can buy them pre-chopped from most grocery stores or buy fresh leaves and chop them yourself.
If you are short on time, you can even buy frozen collard greens, which can be boiled in minutes.
Whatever you decide, these greens will make a tasty and healthy side dish to your ugali meal.
6. Cabbage Salad
Cabbage salad is a delicious way to add flavor and texture to your meal when served with ugali.
This dish is a simple combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and sometimes diced tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty dressing.
It is light, crunchy, and full of flavor. It can be served as a side dish or a topping for ugali.
To make it more flavorful, add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
With its bright colors and crunchy texture, cabbage salad is an ideal accompaniment to any meal featuring ugali. There are still other options of what to serve with ugali out there.
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad is a great accompaniment to Ugali, offering a creamy and savory contrast to the maize-based dish.
It can be cooked in many ways; a classic approach is to boil potatoes, let them cool, and then mix them with a mayonnaise-based dressing.
If you want something more flavorful, add chopped onions and garlic to the potatoes before boiling them, and use a mustard-based dressing instead. Serve the potato salad on the side of the ugali, and enjoy!
8. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs are a classic Italian dish that can easily be served alongside Ugali.
The starchiness of the spaghetti works perfectly to balance out the heavy corn meal of the Ugali, while the flavorful meatballs provide an interesting contrast.
This hearty dish is sure to leave your guests satisfied, and it also makes for easy leftovers!
To make the dish, boil the spaghetti according to package instructions and prepare the meatballs with your favorite seasonings.
Serve with tomato sauce, and you have a delicious and filling meal that goes well with Ugali. This dish makes it easy to customize the flavors to suit your tastes.
Whether you prefer a spicy tomato sauce or a mild flavor, you can adjust the seasonings to get the right balance.
For those who want a vegetarian option, you can skip the meatballs and use mushrooms or chickpeas instead.
As long as you stick to the main idea of spaghetti and tomato sauce, there are endless possibilities for making this a delicious side dish as what to serve with f Ugali.
9. Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes
This hearty beef stew is a great accompaniment to ugali, as it has all the flavors of a comfort meal.
This recipe is simple and can be made in one pot. Start by searing the beef cubes in a little oil and butter.
Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, and cook until everything is slightly softened.
Then, add the beef stock, tomato paste, herbs, and spices of your choice. Let the stew simmer for about an hour or until the beef is tender.
Serve with ugali for a delicious combination that will fill up your stomach. We’ll draw the curtains here on our list of what to serve with ugali.
Conclusion
Ugali is a staple food in many African countries, but it doesn’t have to be eaten alone.
This blog post explored delicious dishes that pair perfectly with ugali for a complete and satisfying meal.
From meat-based dishes to vegan options, you’re sure to find the perfect accompaniment for your next ugali feast. That is all there is to know about what to serve with Ugali!
