Relish — also called tamatie smoor (Afrikaans), ibisto (Xhosa), sheba (Zulu) — is a classic side at a braai. It varies slightly between cultures, but the sweet smell of onions frying is the universal start to this dish.
Phutu pap with wors & relish
Serves 4-6 (as a side)
Ingredients
For the crumbly pap
800ml water
1 tsp salt
4 cups maize meal
For the relish
3 Tbsp canola oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp vinegar
Salt and milled pepper
Chopped parsley, for serving
Method
- For the pap, bring water and salt to a boil in a medium pot.
- Lower the heat to medium and pour the pap in the centre of the pot, flattening slightly if it is towering above the water. Cover the pot with a lid and leave for 1-2 minutes to steam and soften the grains.
- Uncover and stir pap using a fork (preferably a large 2-prong fork, if you have one) combining all the water and maize meal to a thick, dry mixture. Keep a close eye on the heat, as it should be hot enough to create a little bit of steam, but not hot enough to change the colour of pap at the base of the pot. (When in doubt, a lower heat is the safest bet.)
- Continue cooking while moving the fork back and forth all over the pot, breaking clumps down to fluffy, tiny crumbs. Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until fluffy and no dry white flecks are present.
- Remove from heat, cover and leave to steam in the residual heat until serving.
- For the relish, heat oil in a large pan or medium pot. Sauté onion for 8 minutes or until slightly browning.
- Add garlic and spices and fry for another minute.
- Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until thickened. Season well.
- Serve crumbly pap with relish next to braaied meat and veg.
Cook’s note
The bottom of the pot will start to form a thin, crusty film. This adds a crunchy element to the dish that some love.
From classic pairings to combos that should probably stay secret, we recently put people on the spot about their most controversial pap plates. This is what they said:
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Recipes & styling: Lichelle May
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
Also read: Braai grid mushroom pizza
