Nshima is a cornmeal product and a staple food in Zambia. It is made from ground maize (corn) flour known locally as mealie-meal. Nshima is very similar to ugali or posho of East Africa, sadza of Zimbabwe, pap of South Africa and fufu of West Africa.

How to cook Nshima

Ingredients:

1 cup cold water
3 cups hot water
2 to 3 cups corn meal

Preparation:

Boil water in a saucepan. Make a paste using some of the meal with the cup of cold water. Add the paste to hot water. Stir with a wooden spoon until thickened like porridge. Cover the saucepan and simmer for some time (about 15 minutes). Lower the heat a little. Remove the lid and gradually add corn meal, stirring constantly and flattening any lumps that may form. Continue to add meal and stir until nshima thickens to the desired consistency (some people like it thin, and others prefer it thick). Cover and reduce heat to very low. Leave for a few minutes to allow further cooking. Stir the nshima once again and serve in a slightly wet serving dish. Cover to keep it warm. Serve with meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables.