How to make it
5 steps. Take it one step at a time.
Bring the water and salt
In a medium-sized pot, bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in the maize meal to avoid lumps, or mix a small amount of the maize meal with cold water first to form a paste before adding it to the boiling water.
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon or whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.
15 minRemove from heat
Once thickened and cooked through, remove from heat. Stir in the butter if using.
Serve hot in bowls
Serve hot in bowls with milk and sugar to taste.
A little kitchen wisdom
The consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water. For a thicker 'stiff' pap (usually served with dinner), use more maize meal. For breakfast, a 'soft' porridge consistency is preferred.
