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Malawian Nsima with Ndiwo

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time40 minsTotal Time1 hr

Nsima served with a savory tomato and greens relish.

Malawian Nsima with Tomato-and-Greens Ndiwo

Ingredients
 8 cups water, divided
 3 cups fine white cornmeal or maize meal
 1 tsp salt, divided
 2 tbsp vegetable oil
 1 large onion, diced
 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 lb mustard greens, collard greens, or pumpkin leaves, sliced
 ½ cup water or low-sodium vegetable stock
 1 tbsp natural peanut butter, optional
 ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper, optional
 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Make the Nsima
1

Heat 6 cups water over medium heat until warm, do not let it boil.

2

Slowly add 1 cup cornmeal, a little at a time, mixing well before adding more. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until a smooth porridge forms and begins to bubble and boil.

3

Turn and press 8 to 12 minutes until the nsima is thick and smooth. Salt, shape into six mounds, and keep warm.

Cook the Ndiwo
4

Heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomatoes and garlic and cook until the tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.

5

Stir in the greens, stock, salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Cover and cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.

6

Stir in the optional peanut butter until smooth and simmer for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm with nsima.

Notes

Nsima, Nshima, and Ugali are all names for the same beloved African staple food: a thick, dense porridge made from ground maize flour (cornmeal) and water. Serve the warm nsima beside the ndiwo, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1.5

Amount per serving
Calories380
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g11%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 430mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 70g26%

Dietary Fiber 8g29%
Total Sugars 6g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 10g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.