Siba Mtongana is one of the most famous chefs on the continent and her show, Siba’s Table on Food Network, is aired in more than 128 countries. Mtongana, one of the continent’s biggest exports, shared her pap recipe with us.
Siba’s Pap Cake (Serves 8)
Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 40 minutes
2 litres water
2tbs chicken stock powder
5 cups maize meal
2tbs melted butter
Mix with
1tbs butter
375g of bacon
2 onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 green peppers, finely chopped
4tbs parsley, chopped
4tbs coriander, chopped
Mix the cold water with stock powder to make a stock and bring to the boil.
Whisk in the maize meal, adding a little at a time.
Whisk continuously to remove any lumps.
Using a wooden spoon, stir and beat the pap against the pan until it comes together.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Stir again and cook for another 20 minutes until cooked.
Add butter to sauté pan and fry the bacon, onions, garlic and green pepper for 5 minutes over high heat, until the fat is rendered over.
Add the herbs and stir.
Add the bacon and vegetable mix and stir. Shape into rounds.
Catch Siba on her Food Network show, Siba's Table