South African cuisine is popular for its delicious and hearty meals. Samp and beans, also known as umngqusho, is one such meal that has been a staple in many households for generations. This simple but nutritious meal can be made with just a few ingredients and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients you'll need
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried samp
- 1 cup dried beans (sugar beans or red speckled beans)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare delicious samp and beans:
Step 1: Preparing the samp and beans
Rinse the samp and beans in cold water and soak them overnight in separate bowls. When ready to cook, drain the water and add each to a separate pot with enough water to submerge them. Bring them to a boil, reduce the heat, and let them simmer for about 90 minutes or until they are tender. Drain the excess water and set the samp and beans aside.
Step 2: Cooking the onion and garlic
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Adding the tomatoes and spices
Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, turmeric, and paprika to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combining the samp and beans with the tomato mixture
Add the samp and beans to the tomato mixture and mix well. Add a little water to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes on low heat until it thickens.
Tips and tricks:
- Serve your samp and beans hot as is or with your favourite side dish such as cabbage or chakalaka.
- You can use canned beans instead of dried beans if you're short on time - just reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of water when cooking the samp and beans.
Now that you've learned how to make delicious samp and beans, go ahead and give it a try in your kitchen. This meal is not only nutritious and delicious but is also a great way to showcase South African cuisine to your family and friends. Happy cooking!
