Traditional South African Pap and Wors Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of boerewors
  • 2 cups of maize meal
  • 2 and 1/2 cups of water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 beef stock cube
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of chopped tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the pap. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the salt.
  2. Slowly add the maize meal to the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pap simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. While the pap is cooking, prepare the wors. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  5. Add the boerewors to the pan and cook until browned, turning occasionally. Remove the boerewors from the pan and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  7. Crush the beef stock cube and sprinkle over the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  8. Add the canned tomatoes and dried herbs to the pan. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are cooked down and the sauce has thickened.
  9. Return the boerewors to the pan and stir to coat the sausage in the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. By now, the pap should be cooked. Stir in the butter until it is completely melted and the pap is creamy.
  11. Serve the pap with the wors and sauce on top. Enjoy your homemade Pap and Wors.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the pap.
  • Frying pan - Used to cook the boerewors and vegetables.
  • Stirring spoon - To stir the pap and sauce.
  • Knife - Required for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring cups - For accurately measuring the water and maize meal.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the salt and dried herbs.
  • Can opener - Needed to open the canned tomatoes.
  • Tongs - To turn and handle the boerewors while cooking.
  • Spatula - Helps to mix and turn the sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Replace boerewors with chicken or beef sausages
  • Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick
  • Include diced potatoes in the sauce for added texture
  • Try different herbs and spices such as paprika or cumin
  • Substitute maize meal with polenta or cornmeal
  • Make a vegetarian version by using vegan sausages or grilled vegetables
  • Add grated cheese on top of the pap before serving
  • Include cooked beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, in the sauce
  • Serve with a side of chakalaka, a spicy South African relish
  • Create a fusion dish by adding curry powder and coconut milk to the sauce

Recipe overview

Pap and wors is a classic South African dish, combining a creamy maize porridge (pap) with a hearty sausage (wors) cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. This recipe will guide you through the process of making both the pap and the wors, serving up a delightful and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of day. Expect to be engaged in this hands-on cooking experience for about an hour, but rest assured, the end result is well worth the effort. The juicy, flavorful wors pairs beautifully with the smooth, buttery pap, and the aromatic sauce brings it all together. Whether you're new to South African cuisine or a seasoned pro, this Pap and Wors recipe is sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to make Pap and Wors?
    It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to make Pap and Wors from start to finish.
  2. Can I use a different type of sausage instead of boerewors?
    Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer or have available. However, boerewors is traditionally used in this recipe and provides an authentic South African flavor.
  3. Can I make the pap ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the pap ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
    Certainly! If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pan while cooking the vegetables. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic and omit the bell peppers.
  5. What can I serve with Pap and Wors?
    Pap and Wors is often enjoyed on its own as a main dish. However, you can also serve it with a side of vegetables, such as steamed greens or a salad, for a well-rounded meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pap and wors, a classic South African dish, ties deeply into the nation's history and culture. The star of the dish, boerewors, is a type of sausage popular in Southern African cuisine. The term boerewors comes from the Afrikaans words "boer" meaning farmer, and "wors" meaning sausage. This sausage is traditionally made from coarsely minced beef and a unique blend of spices, including coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. The other component of the dish, pap, is a kind of cornmeal porridge similar to American grits or Italian polenta. Corn, or maize, was introduced to Africa by Portuguese traders in the 16th century and quickly became a staple food throughout the continent. Pap is a testament to the resourcefulness of African cooks, who found a way to turn a simple grain into a versatile and satisfying dish that could be enjoyed at any time of day. This hearty and comforting dish is more than just a meal, it's a symbol of South African heritage and a taste of home for many. Whether it's served at a family gathering, a neighborhood braai (barbecue), or a roadside stall, there's nothing quite like a plate of pap and wors to bring people together.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.