How to Cook a Porridge the Maasai Way

In December 2021, we conducted extensive on-ground research with the Maasai community and got to learn about their cultural tradition, lifestyle and wisdom. The research ranged from different themes like rituals, folklore, attire, social systems, and food, to name a few. 

When it comes to food, there is a lot of dependency on livestock, as it is a key component of their lifestyle. Meat and milk, therefore, are the main source of food for the community.

The community in Losimingori village of Arusha also grows maize crops, which is another major component in their food system.

Using maize flour, they make porridge, a food which is typically made by heating or boiling grains, in milk or water.

We asked Lamayani, the mother of our language translator, Kaai, how porridge is made. She first takes water from a vessel and boils it.

Once it is boiled, she adds maize flour to it and stirs it well.

The mixture is then stirred.

After stirring, the mixture starts to get thick and once the desired consistency is achieved, it is cooked and ready to serve. 

The Maasai generally store the porridge in a calabash, a vessel made of dried gourds. They carry the calabash with them and drink the porridge whenever hungry.

Lamayani shares that the best porridge is made when it rains, and the cow is able to give milk. 

Adding milk to the porridge makes it more special and nutritious. However, with the lack of milk, the Maasai make do with water.

Lamayani proudly declares that she makes the best porridge in her family. “My husband praises it a lot as well”, she shares, laughing!