Mealie Pap

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Measure all ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and milk and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat; watch closely so the milk does not catch on the bottom.

2. 2

   Whisk in the salt, then slowly rain in the maize meal while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all the maize meal is added, lower the heat immediately.

3. 3

   Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and cook over low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the base and corners of the pan. The pap is ready when it is smooth, softly mounded, and the raw maize taste has disappeared. If it thickens too much before it is fully cooked, add a splash of hot water.

4. 4

   Stir in the butter until fully melted and glossy. Taste and adjust with a tiny extra pinch of salt if needed.

5. 5

   Spoon into warm bowls and top each serving with a little butter. Serve hot as a soft breakfast porridge.

Nutrition per serving

Notes

• •For the smoothest beginner-friendly pap, add the maize meal gradually in a thin stream instead of all at once.
• •Fine maize meal cooks quickly and fits the 15-minute timing better than coarse meal.
• •For a looser breakfast texture, stir in 30-60 ml extra hot water or milk at the end.
• •This soft pap is mildly salted and buttery; it can also be served with sugar, amasi, or honey if desired.

Background