Main Course · African · Dinner ·

Zesty Malawian Nsima with Tomato and Onion Relish

Name: Zesty Malawian Nsima with Tomato and Onion Relish
Prep time: 27 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 107 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: White cornmeal, 2 cups; Water, 4½ cups; Salt, ½ teaspoon; Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons; Onion, 1 large, finely sliced; Tomatoes, 3 ripe, chopped; Garlic, 2 cloves, minced; Paprika, 1 teaspoon; Salt and pepper, to taste

Enjoy a comforting and hearty dish from Malawi, combining the soft texture of nsima with a zesty tomato and onion relish to delight your taste buds.

4.5(699 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 8, 2025

Zesty Malawian Nsima with Tomato and Onion Relish — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

27 min

Cook

1 h 20 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Nsima

For the Tomato and Onion Relish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 315 kcal
Protein: 5.2 g
Carbs: 56.1 g
Fat: 9.3 g
Fiber: 7.2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1260 kcal
Protein: 20.7 g
Carbs: 224.2 g
Fat: 37.3 g
Fiber: 28.9 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
White cornmeal 2 cups	880	16	192	8	20
Water 4½ cups	0	0	0	0	0
Salt ½ teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons	240	0	0	28	0
Onion 1 large, finely sliced	60	1	14	0.5	3
Tomatoes 3 ripe, chopped	66	3	15	0.5	5
Garlic 2 cloves, minced	8	0.4	2	0	0.1
Paprika 1 teaspoon	6	0.3	1.2	0.3	0.8
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Nsima

1
Boil water and salt
Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large pot.
2
Add cornmeal
Gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3
Cook until thick
Continue stirring for about 20-30 minutes until the nsima is thick and smooth.

Preparing the Tomato and Onion Relish

1
Heat oil
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2
Sauté onions
Add the onions and sauté until translucent.
3
Cook tomatoes and spices
Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Tip: Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it turns bitter. If the relish becomes too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Make Zesty Malawian Nsima with Tomato and Onion Relish

Total time: 1 h 47 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Making Nsima
Gradually add cornmeal to boiling water, stirring continuously until thickened.
2
Sautéing Relish
Cook the onions until they’re soft, then incorporate tomatoes and spices until thick.