Recipe

Phutu - South African Cornmeal Dish

Savory Cornmeal Delight: A Taste of South Africa

4.5 out of 5

Phutu is a traditional South African dish made from cornmeal. It is a staple in many households and is often enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a flavorful and comforting Phutu that captures the essence of South African cuisine.

Porridge› Phutu

African cuisine› Southern African cuisine› South African cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

20 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

2 cups (400g) cornmeal 2 cups (400g) cornmeal
4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
Optional: 2 tablespoons butter or oil Optional: 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Optional: 1 onion, finely chopped Optional: 1 onion, finely chopped
Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic, minced Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano) Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
Optional: 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, or corn) Optional: 1 cup (150g) mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, or corn)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 2g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 6g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2.
Gradually add the cornmeal to the boiling water, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3.
Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
4.
If using, heat the butter or oil in a separate pan and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
5.
Add the optional herbs and mixed vegetables to the onion mixture and cook until the vegetables are tender.
6.
Combine the cooked vegetables with the cornmeal mixture and stir well to incorporate.
7.
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cornmeal — Use finely ground cornmeal for a smoother texture in the Phutu.
Onion and garlic — Sautéing the onion and garlic adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Mixed vegetables — Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season to add color and nutrition to the Phutu.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Serve Phutu with a dollop of chutney or tomato relish for added tanginess.
Leftover Phutu can be shaped into patties and pan-fried for a delicious breakfast option.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your Phutu.

Serving advice

Serve Phutu hot as a side dish with your favorite South African stews, curries, or grilled meats. It can also be enjoyed as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, shape the Phutu into small mounds using a spoon or a mold. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.