Tried ugali, an East African staple food made of cornmeal for the first time today.  I know, waiting almost two weeks to sample this crucial element of the Tanzanian diet is a crime.  Please note though, I’m cooking for myself here mostly…without a microwave.  I’m too busy remembering how hot dogs are made on a stovetop to try out traditional Tanzanian fare.  But today, I went out to lunch and my side dish choices were rice, fries, or ugali.  So, I ordered ugali.  It’s the consistency of half dry school paste, but without any of the flavor.  Combining it with the meat sauce made it decent though and I enjoyed my lunch.  What I’m not enjoying is that fact that nine hours later, it’s still sitting heavy in my stomach.  I feel like I’m trying to digest a softball…actually, no, a pregnant softball is more accurate.    

So, the verdict is that next time I’ll probably opt to get my empty carb calories from good old fashioned fries, but it’ll be an educated decision.  Rice, you’re still stuck in the corner after Mali.  No, I’ll tell you when you can come out.  Don’t keep asking.