Tag: inspiration

Sautéed Fresh From The Garden Maize (Corn)

~ Sophie ~ 8 Comments

 

I have found out that there are a million and one ways to make maize(corn). We have maize growing in the backyard and boiled maize has been on the menu a lot these days(A LOT!) that I realized I haven’t shared a recipe here. This is my father’s signature recipe (among many others). It is a special one really because it only happens when ever there is an abundance of fresh maize! The fresh kernels have a slight sweetness to them and when they are sautéed in oil and other spices, the flavor intensifies while at the same time leaving the maize soft. It even has a natural meaty taste. Seriously! The next time you find yourself with more than enough fresh maize, try this.

 
What you will need

10 Fresh ears of maize/ 3 C. Maize kernels

2 Tomatoes, finely chopped

2 Green pepper, finely diced

2 Carrots, finely diced

1 Large onion, finely diced

A handful of green onions, finely chopped

2 Cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped

Ginger, crushed and chopped

Cooking oil

Salt to taste

Black pepper (optional)

Method
Using a sharp Knife, cut the kernels off the cob and set aside. On medium fire, Add oil and wait for it to get hot. Add the Garlic, ginger and onions. Let them brown a little. Add salt and tomatoes. Let the tomatoes soften. Add the maize kernels and stir. Add the green peppers and carrots and stir well.  Keep stirring. Add the black pepper and keep stirring. Once all the kernels  are translucent, and a savory flavor is wafting in the air, remove from fire. This might take 20-30 minutes. Add the chopped green onions and serve hot.

Observations

The size of maize  and kernels vary. On some ingredients, I did not put any specific measurements because everyone has personal preferences.

I hope you get to try this.

 

🙂

Sophie

Easy Rice Balls

~ Sophie ~ 19 Comments

Who likes rice balls? Better yet, have you ever tried making them? I have this endlessly long list of food I would like to try and these rice balls are not missing on the list. Don’t you think these would be awesome at a party? Although everyone has their own way of making rice balls, I think what matters in the end is the ability to retain flavor  and still be a crowd pleaser especially if you are making them for parties. I did achieve the desired flavor, so that is a win for me. You will be surprised at how easy they are to make.

What you will need

3 C. Rice, boiled

3 Medium Irish potatoes, boiled

1 Tbsp. Water

2 Eggs

1 C. Baking flour

1 Green pepper, finely chopped

1 Onion, finely chopped

½ C. Green onions, finely chopped

1 Tsp. Ground ginger

2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped

Salt

Chilli flakes (optional)

Oil for frying

Method

In a bowl, loosen the rice using a fork. In the rice bowl, add the green pepper, onions, ground ginger and garlic and mix together. Set aside. Mash boiled potatoes and add the tablespoon of water.  Add the mashed potatoes in the rice mix. The mashed potatoes act as a binder. Mix in the salt and chilli flakes. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together while adding a pinch of salt. Using your hands, form bite-sized balls and dip them in the egg mix one by one. Dip the egg coated ball in the cup of flour till they are fully covered. Fry the balls till golden brown. The result is a super crunchy exterior and a flavorful interior.

Observations

  1. I recommend short grained rice that is slightly sticky (don’t use long grain rice as it tends to be too loose and dry)
  2. You may add more or less water in the mashed potatoes.

 

I would like to know, what dip/sauce would you eat these rice balls with? Please share in the comments below.

🙂

Sophie

A Kitchen In Uganda Plus A Free E-cookbook

~ Sophie ~ 5 Comments

seasonalcookingcover

Click on image to download

These past two weeks I have been in the process of re-branding this blog for maximum effectiveness. Great thanks to Onyait who helped me have a smooth transition. This blog formerly known as Rare Beauty Blog is now called A Kitchen In Uganda. A name that I believe will better represent what goes on here. With that said, I have been working on a simple e-cookbook as a token of welcome to you all lovely readers. In this booklet, you will find 16 of the blog’s best tried and true recipes with clear directions. Don’t hesitate to grab one for yourself and get cooking. Again, thank you for reading and following me on this journey.

🙂

Sophie