Samp and Beans
A beloved Xhosa staple, this dish features dried corn kernels (samp) and sugar beans slow-cooked to tender perfection. It's a hearty and comforting meal, famously a favorite of Nelson Mandela.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500g Samp (dried corn kernels)(Look for whole dried corn kernels, often labeled as 'samp'.)
- 250g Sugar beans(Dried sugar beans are traditional. Ensure they are fresh for best results.)
- 1 large Onion(Finely chopped.)
- 50g Butter(Unsalted butter is recommended, but salted can be used, adjusting salt later.)
- to taste Salt(Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as needed.)
- Enough to cover Water(Approximately 2-3 liters, or more as needed during cooking.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the samp and sugar beans thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in separate large bowls and cover generously with cold water. Let them soak overnight (or for at least 12-18 hours) to rehydrate. The samp will swell significantly.
⏱️ 12-18 hours - 2
Drain and rinse the soaked samp. Place the samp in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add fresh water to cover the samp by at least 2 inches (about 5-6 cm). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The samp should be starting to soften but still have a bite.
⏱️ 2 hours - 3
Drain and rinse the soaked sugar beans. Add the drained beans to the pot with the samp. Add more water if necessary to ensure both are submerged by about 1-2 inches. Bring back to a gentle simmer, cover, and continue to cook for another 1 hour, or until both the samp and beans are tender and creamy. Stir more frequently in this stage as the mixture thickens.
⏱️ 1 hour - 4
Once tender, stir in the chopped onion, butter, and salt. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the onion softened.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 5
Serve hot. Samp and Beans is traditionally served as a side dish to meat or stews, but it's hearty enough to be a main course on its own.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Low and slow simmering is key to achieving the perfect tender texture for both samp and beans.
- ✓For a richer main dish, you can add chunks of beef (like chuck or oxtail) or lamb to the pot during step 2. Adjust cooking time as needed for the meat to become tender.
- ✓This dish is often referred to as 'Mandela's comfort food' due to its simplicity and deliciousness.
- ✓If the mixture becomes too thick during cooking, add a little more hot water.
- ✓Ensure the beans are fully cooked and tender before serving; undercooked beans can be hard and difficult to digest.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add cubed beef or lamb to the pot during step 2 for a hearty meat version.
- Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- A pinch of chili flakes can be added for a touch of heat.