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Nshima

Nshima is a traditional Zambian recipe for a classic starchy staple made from corn meal (polenta) boiled in water until it forms a stiff porridge-like paste. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Zambian version of: Nshima.

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

20 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Serves:

6–8

Rating: 4.5 star rating

Tags : Zambia Recipes



This is Zambia's Fufu-like staple (it is also known as Nsima, Shima and Sima and is made from cornmeal (polenta). As such it is rather like Zimbabwe's Sadza and Kenya's

Ingredients:

1.2kg corn meal (polenta), corn flour or ground maize
3l water

Method:

Add the water to a large pot and begin to boil over high heat. After a few minutes (when the water is just warm) begin to add about half the cornmeal to the water one tablespoon at a time. Make sure that you stir continuously with a hefty wooden spoon as you add the cornmeal. Continue to cook and stir as the mixture begins to boil and bubble. Reduce the heat to medium at this point and cook for about 5 more minutes.

Now add the remaining cornmeal, sprinkling it over the top a tablespoon at a time. Make sure you keep stirring otherwise you will get lumps. In the end the Nshima should be very thick and smooth. (Add more cornmeal if you don't have enough).

Once you have attained the desired consistency turn off the heat, cover the pot and allow to stand for a few minutes before serving.

Traditionally, nshima is served with a soup, stew, or sauce (which is termed ndiwo) and a Zambian meal is not deemed complete unless it comprises nshima and ndiwo.