Traditional South African Pap
Experience the heart of South African cuisine with this Traditional South African Pap recipe, a versatile and comforting dish made with just three ingredients—maize meal, water, and a pinch of salt. This authentic staple is celebrated for its smooth, firm-yet-soft texture and is the perfect accompaniment to rich stews, braai meats, or savory chakalaka. With a quick 5-minute prep and a gentle, low-heat simmer, this classic side dish brings simplicity and soul to your table. Whether served at family gatherings or as part of a hearty midweek dinner, Pap is a must-try for lovers of global flavors and wholesome, tradition-filled cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Maize meal
- 4 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
In a large, heavy-based pot, bring 3 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Add the salt to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.
Gradually pour the maize meal into the pot while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. This helps prevent any lumps from forming.
Once all the maize meal is added, cover the pot with its lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the mixture to simmer.
Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and stir the pap thoroughly. At this stage, the mixture should start thickening.
Slowly add the remaining 1 cup of water, a little at a time, while continuing to stir. This ensures a smooth consistency.
Recover the pot with the lid and continue to simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The pap is ready when it has a firm, yet soft texture and pulls away slightly from the sides of the pot.
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving.
Serve hot alongside your favorite stew or meat dish for a traditional South African meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1752 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.8 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2004 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 374.4 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.6 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 130 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 682 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
