Entree: Malawi – Nsima ndi ndiwo (Cornmeal porridge with relish)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 1 hr 25 min

Total 1 hr 55 min

Ingredients

- 5 cups (1.20 L) water, divided
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) white maize meal (coarse cornmeal)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1 lb (454 g) beef stewing meat, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped, approx. 8 oz (225 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced, approx. 9 g
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
- 14 oz (400 g) canned diced tomatoes or 3 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 g) smooth peanut butter (groundnut paste)
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or water broth
- 1–2 small fresh chilies (scotch bonnet or bird’s eye), seeded and finely chopped, optional
- 4 cups (approximately 225–250 g) fresh spinach or pumpkin leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon or lime juice (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or ghee (for finishing, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the nsima: bring 4 cups (960 ml) water to a rolling boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add 1 tsp (5 g) salt.
2. In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the maize meal with 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water to make a smooth slurry.
3. Gradually pour the slurry into the boiling water while whisking to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to medium-low.
4. Slowly add remaining maize meal (2 cups/240 ml), sprinkling it in while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens. Add additional water a little at a time if too stiff.
5. Cook and stir the nsima for 8–12 minutes until very stiff and smooth, pressing and folding with the spoon to develop a dense, cohesive mass. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
6. Make the ndiwo (beef relish): heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
7. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped chilies (if using) and cook 1 minute.
8. Stir in tomato paste and chopped tomatoes; cook until tomatoes break down, 5–7 minutes. Return browned beef to the pan, add broth (or water), bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently until beef is tender, about 25–35 minutes.
9. When beef is tender, stir in peanut butter until blended and the sauce is slightly thickened. Add chopped greens and cook until wilted and incorporated, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and finish with lemon juice and chopped cilantro if using.
10. To serve, shape nsima into portions using wet hands or a spoon and place on plates. Spoon generous ladles of the beef ndiwo alongside or atop the nsima. Drizzle a little oil or ghee over the ndiwo if desired and serve immediately.