Traditional African Feast with Grilled Tilapia, Ugali, Beef Stew & Sukuma Wiki

 

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Grilled Tilapia:

• 2 whole tilapia, cleaned
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced

For the Ugali:

• 2 cups maize flour (cornmeal)
• 4 cups water

For the Beef Stew:

• 1½ lbs (700g) beef, cut into chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 lb (500g) chicken pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens):

• 1 bunch collard greens or kale, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Grill the Tilapia

1. Rub the fish with oil, paprika, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
2. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes per side until cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

2. Prepare the Ugali

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Gradually stir in the maize flour.
3. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.
4. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, then shape and serve.

3. Make the Beef Stew

1. Brown the beef in hot oil.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste.
4. Add the spices and beef stock.
5. Simmer for 1½–2 hours until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

4. Cook the Chicken Stew

1. Heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic.
2. Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and paprika.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is tender.

5. Prepare the Sukuma Wiki

1. Heat the oil in a pan.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic.
3. Add the chopped greens and cook for 5–8 minutes.
4. Season with salt and serve warm.

🍋 Serving Suggestion

Arrange a generous serving of ugali on the plate alongside grilled tilapia, beef stew, chicken stew, and sautéed sukuma wiki. Garnish the fish with a fresh lemon slice and enjoy this hearty, authentic East African meal with family and friends.