1 Cup Left Over Ugali
Pinch Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
METHOD
Add olive oil to heated pan
Add minced garlic
Add dried oregano
Add black pepper
Add dried basil
Add dried thyme
Add salt
Mix all the spices well
Fry the spices and herbs for several minutes
Add in chopped ugali
Mix the ugali and spices well
Toss and fry ugali several minutes
Brush baking tray with olive oil
Pour in the fried ugali pieces
Spread the ugali evenly on the baking tray
Heat oven to 180°C
Bake for 18 minutes
Ugali out of the oven crispy and fragrant
Ugali croutons ready to be used in soup or salad
Perfect crisp and delicious
UGALI CROUTONS
Prep time: 05 Minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 25 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Ugali, left over
- Salt to taste
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Cooking Directions
- Add olive oil to heated pan. Add minced garlic. Add dried oregano. Add black pepper. Add dried basil. Add dried thyme. Add salt. Mix all the spices well
- Fry the spices and herbs for several minutes. Add in chopped Ugali. Mix the Ugali and spices well
- Toss and fry Ugali several minutes. Brush baking tray with olive oil. Pour in the fried Ugali pieces. Spread the Ugali evenly on the baking tray.
- Heat oven to 180°C. Bake for 18 minutes. Ugali croutons ready to be used in soup or salad. Perfect crisp and delicious
Ugali Croutons
Ugali Croutons are a creative and delicious way to repurpose leftover ugali (a stiff maize meal porridge common in East Africa). These croutons are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for adding texture to salads, soups, or enjoying as a savory snack.
FAQs – Ugali Croutons
Q: What is the best type of ugali to use for croutons?
A: Day-old or firm leftover ugali works best for croutons because it holds its shape better when cut and cooked.
Q: How do I make ugali croutons crispy?
A: Cut the ugali into small cubes, toss them in a little oil (and spices if desired), then bake or pan-fry until golden and crisp on all sides.
Q: Can I season ugali croutons?
A: Absolutely. You can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a touch of chili for a flavorful twist.
Q: How do I store ugali croutons?
A: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.
Q: Are ugali croutons gluten-free?
A: Yes, since ugali is made from maize (corn) flour, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Printable Nutrition Card (Per 1 cup serving of plain Ugali Croutons)
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal | Based on light oil use and plain maize flour |
| Total Fat | 6 g | May vary depending on oil type and amount |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | Use plant-based oils to keep it low |
| Sodium | 50 mg | Naturally low, unless salt is added |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g | Maize flour is a rich carb source |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | Depends on flour type (whole maize = more) |
| Sugars | 0 g | No added sugars |
| Protein | 2.5 g | Moderate protein for a plant-based food |
| Iron | 4% DV | May increase with iron-fortified maize flour |
| Potassium | 90 mg | Naturally present in maize |
Dietary Information
| Diet Type | Suitable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | Made entirely from plant-based ingredients |
| Vegan | ✅ Yes | No animal products involved |
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Ugali uses maize (corn) flour, which is gluten-free |
| Low-Carb / Keto | ❌ No | High in carbs due to maize flour |
| Paleo | ⚠️ Sometimes | Acceptable if using traditional preparation without additives |
| Low-FODMAP | ✅ Yes | Generally tolerated well unless sensitive to maize |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | No dairy used unless optional toppings are added |
| Nut-Free | ✅ Yes | No nuts involved |
| Heart-Healthy | ✅ Yes | Use healthy oils (e.g., olive, sunflower) for cooking |
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