Traditional South African Pap

Experience the comforting taste of South Africa with this Traditional South African Pap recipe, a staple side dish made from just three simple ingredients: maize meal, water, and a pinch of salt. Known for its smooth, creamy texture and subtle flavor, pap is a versatile accompaniment to hearty stews, grilled meats, or flavorful chakalaka. This recipe takes just 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking to create a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. Learn the key to achieving the ideal consistency with simple step-by-step instructions, including the secret to lump-free pap and the traditional simmering technique. Perfect for celebrating South African cuisine or adding a cultural twist to your table, this easy and authentic dish is a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Maize meal
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large, heavy-based pot, bring 3 cups of water to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the salt to the boiling water and stir to dissolve.

Step 3

Gradually pour the maize meal into the pot while stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. This helps prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4

Once all the maize meal is added, cover the pot with its lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the mixture to simmer.

Step 5

Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the lid and stir the pap thoroughly. At this stage, the mixture should start thickening.

Step 6

Slowly add the remaining 1 cup of water, a little at a time, while continuing to stir. This ensures a smooth consistency.

Step 7

Recover the pot with the lid and continue to simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

The pap is ready when it has a firm, yet soft texture and pulls away slightly from the sides of the pot.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot alongside your favorite stew or meat dish for a traditional South African meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1366 grams (1366.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1460

Total Fat 19.60g	25%
Saturated Fat 2.90g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2529mg	110%
Total Carbohydrate 296.00g	108%
Dietary Fiber 29.20g	104%
Total Sugars 2.60g
Protein 32.40g	65%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 86mg	7%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 1148mg	24%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.8%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 79.5%