Crumbly Pap

Pap is a staple food of southern Africa.  What exactly is this staple food you ask?  Well, pap is a porridge made from maize (corn) meal.   It is made with very little water, which gives it a dry crumbly like consistency.  Typically, pap is combined with tomato and onion sauces or served as a side dish with barbecued meats.  In this case, I decided to serve the pap with cape malay lamb curry – it was delicious!

Ingredients:

2½ cups (600 ml) boiling water
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
2½ cups (400 gram) Maize Meal
A knob of butter

Directions:

Pour boiling water and salt into saucepan with a thick base and a lid. Bring to boil.
Add the maize meal to the boiling water.
Close the lid, without stirring.
Reduce heat. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
Remove lid and stir well with a wooden spoon or a large kitchen fork.
Replace lid, reduce heat and steam for about half an hour, until done, but be careful not to burn it.
Fluff with a fork or wooden spoon a few times during cooking.

Makes 4 generous portions