Pap Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups maize meal (fine or coarse, depending on your preference)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water:

   • In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt to the boiling water.

2. Add Maize Meal:

   • Gradually pour the maize meal into the boiling water while stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon. This helps prevent lumps from forming.

3. Cook the Pap:

   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the pap to cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If using coarse maize meal, it may take a bit longer to cook.
   • The pap is ready when it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

4. Fluff the Pap:

   • Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps it steam and become fluffier.
   • Use a wooden spoon to fluff the pap before serving.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the pap warm as a side dish with your favorite stews, braais (barbecues), or vegetable dishes. It can also be enjoyed with a sauce or relish on top.

Variations:

• Creamy Pap: For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream while cooking.
• Cheese Pap: Stir in some grated cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Pap and Tomato Sauce: Cook some chopped onions and tomatoes in a pan, season with salt, and serve over the pap. Or try onion and tomato mix.

Tips:

• Adjust the water amount based on your desired consistency. More water will yield softer pap, while less water will make it firmer.
• Leftover pap can be cooled, cut into shapes, and fried until golden for a delicious snack!

Enjoy this comforting and versatile South African staple!