A comforting and beloved breakfast staple across Southern Africa, this smooth porridge is the perfect warm start to any day. It’s known for its simplicity and its ability to be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup maize meal
- 4 cups water, divided
- ½ tsp salt
- Milk, to serve
- Sugar or honey, to taste
- A knob of butter (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and the salt to a rolling boil.
- In a separate bowl, create a smooth paste by mixing the maize meal with 1 cup of cold water.
- Gently whisk the maize meal paste into the boiling water. This gradual addition is key to a lump-free porridge.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer and stir frequently with a wooden spoon or whisk for 15-20 minutes.
- The porridge will thicken as it cooks. If it becomes too thick for your liking, stir in a little more water or milk.
- Once cooked through and creamy, remove from the heat.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with a splash of milk, your preferred sweetener, and a knob of butter for extra richness.
