Dikgobe (Botswana Samp and Beans)
In short: Dried corn kernels and beans slow-cooked together until soft and creamy, a humble Setswana staple served alongside seswaa or stews. It takes about 3 h 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 3 h
- Resting
- 10 h
- Total
- 3 h 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 315 kcal
Dikgobe is a simple, filling Botswana dish of samp (dried, cracked corn kernels) and beans cooked slowly in one pot until soft and creamy. It is everyday family food, made in large pots for gatherings, and it is the classic partner for seswaa. The long cooking turns the corn and beans slightly starchy, so the pot thickens on its own. Soak the grains overnight and give them time.
Instructions
- Drain the soaked samp and beans and rinse them well. Put them in a large heavy pot with the water.
- Bring to a hard boil and boil for 10 minutes, skimming off any foam. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Cook the onion for 8 minutes, until soft and golden, then stir it into the pot.
- Continue simmering, covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours more, adding hot water as needed so the pot never boils dry, until the samp and beans are completely tender and creamy at the edges.
- Stir in the salt for the last 20 minutes. Mash a few spoonfuls against the side of the pot to thicken the liquid, then cook uncovered for 10 minutes until it is stew-like. Taste and adjust the salt.
Tips
- Samp is sold at African and South African grocers and online. Dried hominy or cracked corn also works. For a quick version, simmer canned hominy and canned beans with the fried onion and a little water for 20 minutes.
- Boil the beans hard for the first 10 minutes, which makes raw beans safe to eat, and add the salt late so the kernels soften evenly.
Questions and answers
What is samp?
Samp is dried corn that has been cracked rather than ground, so it cooks into tender pieces. It is similar to hominy and is a staple across southern Africa.
Do I have to soak the samp and beans?
Soaking overnight shortens the cooking time and gives creamier results. Without it, plan on at least 2 extra hours of simmering.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep dikgobe in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. It thickens as it cools, so add a splash of water when reheating over low heat.
How long does it take to make Dikgobe (Botswana Samp and Beans)?
About 3 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 3 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Dikgobe (Botswana Samp and Beans)?
About 315 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 315 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 390 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
