What to Serve with Ugali (9 Best Side Dishes)

Ugali is a staple in African cuisine, and for good reason.

This soft, cornmeal-based dish is versatile and delicious.

It can be served as a side dish or as the main attraction of a meal.

Ugali can also be served with almost any type of meat or vegetable, making it a great choice for a variety of meals.

If you’re looking for something different to serve with your Ugali, try one of these recipes!

They’re all sure to please.

What to Serve with Ugali?

There are many options for what to serve with ugali. Some popular choices include: beef stew, chicken stew, goat stew, spinach, collard greens, kale, cabbage, and carrots. For a more filling meal, you can also add beans or lentils to your ugali dish.

Still looking for ideas?

Here are 9 delicious side dishes that will go great with Ugali:

1. Collard Greens

I love serving collard greens as a side dish with Ugali.

Not only do they add a great texture and flavor to the dish, but they’re also incredibly nutritious.

Another great thing about collard greens is that they’re low in calories and fat.

So if you’re looking for a healthy side dish that won’t weigh you down, collard greens are definitely a great option!

2. One-Pot African Peanut Stew

Why not keep it traditional and serve your Ugali with this peanut stew?

The peanut flavor is subtle but delicious, and it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cornmeal.

If you don’t have any peanuts on hand, you can substitute groundnuts or cashews.

Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

This stew is also great served over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.

3. Black Beans and Rice

I love black beans and rice for a few reasons.

First of all, they’re a great source of fiber and protein, which are essential for staying full throughout the day.

Secondly, they’re incredibly versatile.

You can use them as a side dish or as the main ingredient in a dish.

Ugali is a popular dish made from black beans and rice, and there are plenty of variations you can try.

For example, you could add salsa, shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes to give your ugali a unique flavor.

Or you could go with a more classic version and serve it with salt, pepper, and butter.

4. Fried Plantains

This is such a unique and delicious side dish to serve with your main meal.

Fried plantains are a great way to add some texture and flavor to your meal.

They can be served as part of a plate of food, or they can be eaten as is.

You can fry them in a variety of ways, including using vegetable oil, lard, or butter.

You can also season them with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

If you want to make them a little more special, you can drizzle them with honey or serve them with a dipping sauce.

Ugali is a type of cornmeal pudding made from ground cassava flour.

It’s popular in Africa and many Caribbean islands.

You can serve it alongside other vegetables or meats, or you can eat it on its own as a snack.

You can also add other ingredients to ugali to make it even more unique and flavorful.

Try mixing in groundnuts, chopped onions, or shredded cheese.

There are tons of possibilities for what you can serve with ugali, so experiment until you find something that you love!

5. Cornbread

Cornbread needs no introduction.

It’s a Southern staple, loved by all.

But what can you serve it with?

Ugali is a great option because it’s both hearty and sweet.

Plus, it pairs perfectly with savory dishes, such as smoked salmon or grilled chicken.

Add some diced onion or bell pepper for added flavor and nutrition.

Another great way to use cornbread is as the base for a simple cobbled together sandwich.

Start by spreading some butter on one side of the bread and then layer in your favorite ingredients, such as ham, turkey, cheese, and tomatoes.

Top it off with another slice of bread and bake in a preheated oven until the bread is toasty and the cheese is bubbly.

6. Cabbage Salad

Or how about a simple cabbage salad? It’s super simple to assemble, and you can customize it to your own taste.

1. Start by mixing together a few shredded cabbage leaves with diced onion, diced celery, and diced green pepper. You can also add in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint. For a more complex flavor, mix in cooked ground beef or turkey.
2. Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summertime entertaining.

7. Potato Salad

Ah, potato salad, the American classic.

There are endless variations of this dish, but the key to making a great one is using quality ingredients.

Start by choosing potatoes that are fresh and firm.

Avoid those that are too soft or have bruises.

Once you’ve got your potatoes sorted, it’s time to make the salad dressing.

You can use anything from mayonnaise to yogurt, but I recommend sticking with something light and creamy.

That way, the potato salad will stay creamy and delicious as it sits in the fridge for hours on end.

If you want to add some extra flavor, consider adding in sweet or spicy ingredients like honey, mustard, or chili pepper.

Whatever you choose, be sure to season it well before serving so that everyone can enjoy their own individualized version of this classic American dish.

8. Spaghetti and Meatballs

I still remember the first time I tried spaghetti and meatballs.

I was in college, and a friend of mine from Italy invited me over for dinner.

I was expecting something heavy and filling, but what I got was a light and delicate dish that was absolutely delicious.

The spaghetti was cooked perfectly, and the meatballs were so flavorful.

I was hooked from the first bite.

Since then, I’ve tried making spaghetti and meatballs at home, and it’s always a hit.

The great thing about this dish is that it can be easily customized to your liking.

You can add different herbs and spices to the meatballs, or change up the sauce to suit your taste.

Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a glass of red wine, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a king (or queen).

9. Beef Stew with Carrots & Potatoes

Beef stew is an easy go-to side dish for ugali.

It’s hearty and filling, and it has a rich flavor that pairs well with the blandness of the ugali.

Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients.

1. To make beef stew, simply brown some beef in a pot with some oil.
2. Then add in some chopped carrots and potatoes, along with a can of beef broth.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
4. Let it all simmer until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot alongside your ugali for a filling and satisfying meal.