Recipes for ugali balls

Ugali balls are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or side dish that can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce. Here are two recipes for making ugali balls:

Recipe 1: Simple Ugali Balls

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of maize flour (ugali flour)
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Gradually add the maize flour to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and forms a stiff dough.
4. Remove the dough from the heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, shape it into small balls using your hands.
6. Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
7. Fry the ugali balls in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Remove the balls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
9. Serve the ugali balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.

Recipe 2: Spicy Ugali Balls

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup of maize flour (ugali flour)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:
1. Follow steps 1-4 from the previous recipe to make the ugali dough.
2. Add the chili powder and cumin powder to the dough and mix well to combine.
3. Shape the spiced dough into small balls using your hands.
4. Heat the cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the spiced ugali balls in the hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6. Remove the balls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
7. Serve the spicy ugali balls hot with a yogurt or tomato-based dipping sauce for a flavorful twist on this classic dish.

Ingredients:

For the ugali dough:

- 2 cups maize flour (cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

For the sauce:

- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

To make the ugali dough:

1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
2. Gradually whisk in the maize flour, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dough is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
4. Season with salt, if desired.

To make the sauce:

1. In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

To make the ugali balls:

1. Divide the ugali dough into small balls, about the size of golf balls.
2. Place the balls in a serving bowl and serve with the sauce on the side.

Tips:

- You can add other ingredients to the ugali dough, such as chopped spinach, beans, or grated cheese.
- To make a vegetarian version of the sauce, omit the ground beef or turkey and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- Ugali balls can be served with a variety of sauces, such as beef stew, tomato soup, or peanut sauce.