Namibian Goat Curry with Pap
A hearty and flavorful goat curry, slow-cooked with aromatic spices and served with 'pap', a stiff maize porridge that is a staple in Namibia. This dish is a comforting and traditional meal, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Goat meat(cubed)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped)
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(freshly ground)
- as needed Water or broth
- 500 g Maize meal(for pap)
- as needed Water(for pap)
- pinch Salt(for pap)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat in batches, then set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant.
- 5
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Add coconut milk and enough water or broth to almost cover the meat. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Bring the curry to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if it becomes too dry.
- 8
While the curry simmers, prepare the pap: In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the maize meal to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it forms a stiff porridge. Add more maize meal or water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- 9
Serve the hot goat curry over a portion of pap.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using goat meat with some bone will add more flavor to the curry.
- ✓Adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less curry powder.
- ✓For a smoother curry, you can blend some of the cooked tomatoes before adding them back to the pot.
🔄 Variations
- Add some chopped bell peppers or potatoes to the curry for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a side of fresh green salad or pickled onions.
- For a spicier curry, add a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger.