chicken and pap recipe

Certainly! Here’s a recipe for Chicken and Pap, a traditional South African dish that combines flavorful chicken with pap, a type of maize porridge. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings and provides a taste of South African cuisine.

Chicken Stew Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces or 1.5 kg chicken thighs/drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pap Ingredients:

• 2 cups maize meal (cornmeal)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Instructions:

For the Chicken Stew:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking until the pepper is tender.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and tomato paste.
   • Add paprika, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder (if using). Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
5. Simmer the Stew:
   • Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Finish and Garnish:
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh coriander or parsley before serving.

For the Pap:

1. Boil the Water:
   • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the salt.
2. Add the Maize Meal:
   • Gradually add the maize meal to the boiling water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Cook the Pap:
   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
   • Let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pap is thick and smooth.
   • Stir in the butter (if using) for extra richness.
4. Serve:
   • Scoop the pap onto plates and top with the chicken stew.

Tips:

• For a spicier stew, add more chili powder or fresh chilies.
• You can also add vegetables like carrots or peas to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a smoother pap, you can beat it with a wooden spoon for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken and Pap, a comforting and flavorful South African meal!