Nshima (Mealie Meal)
Nshima, Zambia’s quintessential staple, is a smooth, thick porridge made from mealie meal (white cornmeal). Essential to nearly every meal, it’s the perfect canvas for savory relishes, uniting flavors and families.
Ingredients
Nutrition (per serving)
Instructions
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
Slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups of mealie meal, mixing continuously to prevent lumps.
As the mixture thickens, let it boil for about 2 minutes.
Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually stir in the remaining 1 cup of mealie meal until fully incorporated.
Stir for 5 minutes, then cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
The nshima is ready when it rises and drops by itself.
To serve, dip a metal spoon in cold water and scoop portions, redipping for each scoop.
Pro Tips
- Stir in one direction with a wooden spoon for a smooth texture.
- Use traditional mealie meal from African markets for authentic flavor.
- The cold water dip for the spoon ensures neat, non-sticky portions.
- Serve with both a protein (ndiyo) and vegetable (masamba) relish.
- Let the nshima rest briefly before serving for the best consistency.
Cultural Significance
Nshima is the heartbeat of Zambian cuisine, served at nearly every meal. Eaten with hands and shared from a communal plate, it symbolizes unity and the joy of gathering around food.