Samp

Samp ranks 3rd in the list of the best foods in Lesotho with recipe. Samp is made from dried maize kernels that have been crushed and chopped until broken, but not as coarsely as maize meal. The outer layer of the kernels is removed throughout the process, leaving behind the sensitive inner layer. Samp is typically prepared at various events or festivals, as well as in households throughout the winter.

It is typically cooked in the Highlands by simply cooking it until mushy and seasoned with salt. It is also combined with beans, cooked, and seasoned with salt. The same recipe is utilized in the lowlands, but the seasoning has been changed in most houses and gatherings. You still boil it till it's soft, but when it's almost done, you season it with stuff like Aromat, Rama margarine, coffee creamer, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and more. It goes well with stew or other meat and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 500 ml samp (410g), SPAR canola or sunflower oil, 1 large onion, finely chopped, 3 large cloves garlic, chopped, 3 small rainbow peppers, finely chopped, 200 g punnet button mushrooms, finely chopped, 1 medium brinjal, finely chopped (unpeeled), 1 large red chilli, finely chopped, 410g can SPAR diced tomato, 1 bunch fresh dhania, rinsed and leaves chopped, 410g can cooked sugar beans, drained, 250g SPAR grated cheddar cheese (500 ml)

Instructions

• Cover the samp with lots of water, in a 3 litre SPAR Good Living porcelain mixing bowl. Set aside to soak for at least 8 hours.
• Pour generous amount of salted boiling water over the soaking samp, and cook for 1 hour in a microwave oven, until tender and all the water is absorbed. (Drain in a colander only if necessary)
• Lightly fry the onion, garlic, peppers, mushroom, brinjal and chilli together in a little oil. Add the tomato and dhania, and simmer until the liquid reduces considerably. Season generously to taste. Stir in the sugar beans.
• Combine this mixture with the cooked samp. Cover and keep warm.
• Just before serving, add in the cheese to melt in the heat of the samp.