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Arusha (Tanzania)
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Main course
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
460kcal
12gProtein
80gCarbs
8gFat
6gFibre
350 gServing
* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.
Ugali na Mchicha
How to order / say it
Say it
Ugali na Mchicha — [Ooh-gah-lee nah Mchee-chah]
Order
I'd like Ugali na Mchicha, please.
Locally
Ningependa Ugali na Mchicha, tafadhali.
Say locally
A staple maize porridge served with spinach.
Why try it?
This dish embodies the simplicity and nutritional balance of Arusha's everyday meals, making it a cultural cornerstone.
How it tastes
Ugali is bland yet grounding, complemented by the earthy, slightly bitter taste of seasoned spinach.
Origin & History — first documented: 1880
Rooted in the East African culinary tradition, ugali has been a central part of Arusha's diet since maize became widely grown in the late 19th century.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🌾 400 g Maize flour
- 🥕 200 g Spinach
- 🧄 50 g Onion
- 🥕 300 ml Water
- 🧂 5 g Salt
- 🫒 20 ml Oil
Method
- 1 Boil water and gradually stir in maize flour.
- 2 Cook while stirring continuously until thick.
- 3 Separately sauté onions, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
- 4 Combine spinach with salt and serve alongside ugali.
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