Tanzania | Main dish

Ugali na Nyama

Tanzanian staple of firm maize porridge paired with slow-simmered beef stew in a rich tomato sauce.

Country
Tanzania
Region
East Africa
Time
75 min
Serves
4
Level
easy
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Recipe overview

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Ugali na Nyama is the everyday meal of Tanzania, from Dar es Salaam to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. The beef stew (mchuzi wa nyama) varies by region — coastal versions add coconut milk, while inland versions use tomatoes and peppers. It is the dish that every Tanzanian mother teaches first.

What the dish tastes like

Tanzanian staple of firm maize porridge paired with slow-simmered beef stew in a rich tomato sauce.

When to cook it

Best for everyday meals, with a easy cooking level and about 75 minutes total.

What to serve alongside it

Use the interactive recipe fallback or country hub to explore pairings.

Servings: 4

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How to cook it

Step-by-step instructions

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1
Brown Beef
Heat oil in a heavy pot. Season beef with salt and pepper, then sear until browned on all sides.
Sear 10:00
2
Cook Aromatics
Add onions and garlic, cook until softened. Add bell peppers, tomatoes, and curry powder. Stir well.
Crush the tomatoes with your spoon to release their juices.
Saute 08:00
3
Simmer Stew
Pour in beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until beef is fork-tender.
Low heat and patience make the beef meltingly tender.
Simmer 45:00
4
Make Ugali
Bring 3 cups water to a boil. Gradually add maize flour, stirring vigorously until firm and pulling from sides of pot.
Cook ugali 15:00
5
Serve
Turn ugali onto a wet plate in a dome shape. Ladle the beef stew alongside. Serve hot.
Tanzanians say the stew should be thick enough to cling to the ugali, not soupy.

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