Nsima with Ndiwo (Malawian Maize Porridge and Relish)

Name: Nsima with Ndiwo (Malawian Maize Porridge and Relish)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Malawi
Ingredients: 3 cups white maize flour; 6 cups water; 1 bunch mustard greens or rape, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tomatoes, chopped; 2 tbsp oil; Salt to taste

Nsima with Ndiwo (Malawian Maize Porridge and Relish) photo 1

6 servings15 min prep30 min cookEasy Malawi

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Nsima with Ndiwo (Malawian Maize Porridge and Relish)

Story updated September 17, 2026

Nsima, Malawi's version of the stiff maize porridge eaten throughout the region, became the national staple after maize supplanted older grains like sorghum and finger millet following its introduction by Portuguese traders. Served with "ndiwo," a side of vegetables, beans, or fish, it's eaten at nearly every meal and forms the anchor of Malawian home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale:· 6 servings

3 cups white maize flour
6 cups water
1 bunch mustard greens or rape, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp oil
Salt to taste

Instructions

1Bring the water to a boil and stir in a portion of the maize flour to make a thin porridge base.
2Gradually add remaining maize flour, stirring constantly until thick and smooth, about 10-15 minutes.
3Shape the nsima into a mound and set aside.
4Heat oil and sauté onion until soft, then add tomatoes and cook until broken down.
5Add the chopped greens, cover, and cook 8-10 minutes until tender.
6Season with salt and serve the relish alongside the nsima.

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