Ugali Fries with Tomato Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 cup Maize Flour
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 0.25 medium Onion
• 2 tbsp Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice

Instructions

1. 1In a large heavy-bottomed pot, bring the 3 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the 0.5 tsp of salt.
2. 2Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of maize flour, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring all the time with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens considerably and starts to pull away cleanly from the sides of the pot, about 10-15 minutes. This will result in a stiff, dough-like consistency.
3. 3Remove the pot from the heat and let the ugali mixture cool in the pot for about 5-10 minutes, until it is firm enough to handle but still warm. Once slightly cooled, turn the ugali out onto a clean cutting board. Cut the ugali into fry shapes, approximately 1/2-inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
4. 4In a deep frying pan, heat the 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a tiny piece of ugali into it; it should sizzle immediately.
5. 5Carefully add the ugali fries to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the ugali fries for about 5-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. 6While the ugali fries are draining, prepare the salsa. Dice the 2 medium tomatoes into small, 1/4-inch pieces. Finely chop the 0.25 medium onion. Chop the 2 tbsp of cilantro.
7. 7In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp of lime juice. Mix everything together gently until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt if desired (salt is already listed in ingredients).
8. 8Serve the hot, crispy ugali fries immediately with the fresh tomato salsa on the side.

Related Guides