Uji wa Wimbi (Kenyan Finger Millet Porridge)
In short: A smooth Kenyan breakfast porridge of finger millet and maize meal, sweetened with sugar and brightened with lemon juice, drunk hot from a mug. It takes about 20 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 20 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 205 kcal
Uji is Kenya's everyday porridge, a smooth, pourable breakfast that many people drink from a mug. It is made from finger millet, often blended with maize meal, whisked into cold water so it stays free of lumps, then cooked until glossy. Sugar and a squeeze of lemon are the usual finishes. Uji is a favorite for children and a common first meal on cold mornings across Kenya, and the grain gives it a gentle, earthy flavor.
Instructions
- Whisk the millet flour and maize meal with 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) of the cold water in a bowl until completely smooth, with no lumps.
- Bring the remaining 900 ml (3 3/4 cups) water and the salt to a boil in a heavy saucepan.
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the paste in a thin stream, whisking constantly so it does not clump.
- Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the porridge thickens, turns glossy and loses its raw smell. Lower the heat if it spits.
- Stir in the sugar and cook for 2 more minutes. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Pour into mugs or bowls and serve hot. If it thickens as it stands, loosen it with a little hot water.
Tips
- Always mix the flour with cold water first. Adding it straight to hot water forms lumps that are hard to whisk out.
- Add the lemon off the heat so it stays bright. For a richer cup, stir in a spoonful of smooth peanut butter or a splash of warm coconut milk.
Questions and answers
Is uji the same as porridge?
Yes, uji is the Swahili word for porridge. In Kenya it is thinner than oatmeal, often drunk from a mug, and made from millet, maize, sorghum or a blend.
Can I ferment uji?
Yes. Mix the flour and meal with the cold water, cover the batter and leave it at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours until pleasantly sour, then cook as usual.
How thick should uji be?
Pourable, like thin custard. It thickens as it cools, so cook it a little thinner than you want, and stir in hot water to adjust.
How long does it take to make Uji wa Wimbi (Kenyan Finger Millet Porridge)?
About 20 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Uji wa Wimbi (Kenyan Finger Millet Porridge)?
About 205 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 46 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 205 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
