Phahla is a traditional dish from Lesotho that is made with maize meal, vegetables, and various meats. It is a hearty and nourishing meal that is perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with family and friends. Below are some steps to help you make your own delicious Phahla at home.
Ingredients
For the Phahla:
- 2 cups of maize meal
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1 cup of collard greens
- 1 pound of beef or lamb, cubed
- 4 cups of water
- 3 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chakalaka:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 green peppers, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of baked beans
- 1 tablespoon of curry powder
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the meat
Heat the cooking oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed meat and cook until it is browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the vegetables
Add the onion and green pepper to the pot and cook until they are soft. Add the tomato, spinach, and collard greens and continue cooking for about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the maize meal
Slowly add the maize meal to the pot while stirring continuously. Add the water and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Phahla
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the Phahla to cook for about 30 minutes or until the maize meal is fully cooked. Stir the Phahla occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Make the Chakalaka
While the Phahla is cooking, heat the cooking oil in a separate pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, green pepper, carrot, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft. Add the diced tomatoes, baked beans, and curry powder and stir well. Allow the Chakalaka to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Once the Phahla is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Scoop the Phahla into bowls and top with the Chakalaka. Serve hot and enjoy!
