Heat water over medium heat in a deep pan. Make sure you use a pan with a handle.

Add the maize meal or cornmeal and keep on stirring with a strong wooden spoon.

Keep stirring and pressing the mixture against the sides of the pan to break up the lumps.

As the mixture becomes thicker, it becomes more difficult to mix but keep mixing and breaking up the lumps.

The mixture with begin to come away from the sides of the pan. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes.

At this point transfer the ugali to a platter. Place the plate over the pan and turn it upside down. Or you can transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Pat it down into shape. Place a plate over the bowl and turn it over.