Nhopi (Pumpkin Porridge)
Nhopi is a traditional Zimbabwean porridge made primarily from pumpkin and maize meal (cornmeal), often enriched with peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavor. It's a comforting and nutritious dish, typically served for breakfast or as a snack. The sweetness of the pumpkin, combined with the texture of the maize meal and the richness of the peanut butter, creates a unique and satisfying taste.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Pumpkin or Butternut Squash(peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups))
- 3 cups Water(divided)
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal (Maize Meal)
- 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter(unsweetened preferred)
- 3-4 teaspoons Sugar(or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon(optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the cubed pumpkin or butternut squash in a saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
- 2
Drain the squash, reserving the cooking liquid. Mash the squash until smooth.
- 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornmeal with the remaining 1 cup of water until a smooth paste forms.
- 4
Return the mashed squash to the saucepan. Stir in the cornmeal paste, peanut butter, sugar, salt, and optional cinnamon and ginger.
- 5
Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pumpkin cooking liquid (or more, as needed) to achieve a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- 6
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10-15 minutes, until the porridge has thickened.
- 7
Serve hot as a breakfast dish or a comforting snack.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother consistency, you can puree the cooked squash in a blender before adding other ingredients.
- ✓Adjust the sugar and salt to your personal preference.
- ✓If you don't have peanut butter, peanut paste can be used as per traditional recipes.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes omit the cornmeal for a smoother, soup-like consistency.
- A touch of vanilla extract can be added for extra flavor.