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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Kenyan Ugali and Sukuma Wiki is a classic comfort meal that’s hearty, nutritious, and incredibly cheap. Ugali is a simple maize flour porridge, while Sukuma Wiki is a sautéed leafy green dish—often made with collard greens or kale. Together, they form a satisfying meal perfect for anyone on a budget. Best of all, it costs under $3 to prepare!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Incredibly Cheap: Feeds 4 for under $3.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and iron from the greens.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and affordable.
- Comforting & Filling: Perfect for a cozy, hearty meal.
Curious about the health benefits of collard greens? Check out this article from Healthline.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4, Cost: $2.85)
For Ugali
- 1 cup maize flour (cornmeal) ($0.50)
- 2 cups water (Negligible)
- Salt to taste (Negligible)
For Sukuma Wiki
- 1 bunch collard greens or kale, chopped ($1.00)
- 1 onion, chopped ($0.25)
- 2 tomatoes, chopped ($0.60)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.10)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ($0.40)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
Want to save even more? Learn how to grow your own collard greens with this Gardening Guide.
🍳 Cooking Instructions
Preparing Ugali
- Boil Water: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Add Maize Flour: Gradually add maize flour while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook & Stir: Stir until the mixture thickens and forms a dough-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
- Shape & Serve: Shape into a mound and serve hot.
Preparing Sukuma Wiki
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Cook Vegetables: Add onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Sauté until soft.
- Add Greens: Add collard greens and cook until wilted (about 5 minutes).
- Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve alongside Ugali.
Looking for more authentic Kenyan recipes? Visit Serious Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Maize Flour | $0.50 |
| Collard Greens/Kale | $1.00 |
| Onion | $0.25 |
| Tomatoes | $0.60 |
| Garlic | $0.10 |
| Vegetable Oil | $0.40 |
| Total Cost | $2.85 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Ugali & Sukuma Wiki
- Use collard greens for authenticity, but kale or spinach works well, too.
- Add a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.
- Pair with roasted meat or beans for a heartier meal.
For more budget-friendly African recipes, check out The Spruce Eats.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
Ugali & Sukuma Wiki is a wholesome, filling, and cheap meal that’s been enjoyed in Kenya for generations. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to try something new, this comforting dish is a must-try.
For more exciting, budget-friendly recipes, visit KateFi.com!
