Sesotho Pap le Nama ya Kgomo (Maize Meal with Beef)
A staple dish in Lesotho, this recipe features a thick maize meal porridge (pap) served with a savory beef stew, showcasing the heartiness of Basotho cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Beef stew meat(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped (canned or fresh))
- 4 cups Beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 cups Maize meal (pap)
- 4-5 cups Water(for pap)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure beef is well-seasoned for a flavorful stew. - 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes on all sides.
💡 Tip: Do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. - 3
Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the beef to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, beef broth (or water), and bay leaf.
- 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed. - 7
While the stew simmers, prepare the pap. In a separate pot, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Gradually whisk in the maize meal to avoid lumps.
💡 Tip: Start with less water and add more to achieve desired consistency. - 8
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the pap for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a firm porridge.
- 9
Once the beef is tender and the stew has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
💡 Tip: The stew should be rich and flavorful. - 10
Serve the beef stew hot, alongside a generous portion of pap.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef overnight.
- ✓You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the pap by adding more or less water.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of red wine to the stew for added depth.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of mixed herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Serve with a side of morogo (cooked greens) for a complete meal.