World Flavors Cookbook

Pap (Maize Porridge)

Name: Pap (Maize Porridge)
Cook time: 40 min
Cuisine: South Africa
Ingredients: 2 cups white maize meal 4 cups water 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp butter (optional)

The foundation of the South African diet; a versatile maize meal porridge that can be served soft, stiff, or crumbly.

Cuisine: South Africa

Ingredients

2 cups white maize meal 4 cups water 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring the water and salt to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. 2. For stiff pap (stywepap): Gradually whisk in the maize meal until no lumps remain. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally with a sturdy spoon. 3. For crumbly pap (phutu): Use less water and stir vigorously with a fork throughout the cooking process to create fine crumbs. 4. Stir in butter at the end if desired. 5. Serve hot with chakalaka, braai meat, or a savory tomato-onion sauce (sheba).