Umngqusho (Samp and Beans)
In short: Dried samp and sugar beans simmered slowly with onion and chili until soft, creamy and earthy, a Xhosa dish eaten across South Africa. It takes about 2 h 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 2 h 15 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 340 kcal
Umngqusho is a Xhosa dish of samp, which is dried, cracked maize, cooked slowly with sugar beans until creamy and tender. It is served at family gatherings, ceremonies and everyday meals across South Africa, usually with butter, a spicy relish or a rich stew. The flavor is humble and earthy, and the dish takes more time than effort. Soaking the samp and beans overnight is the key to the soft texture.
Instructions
- Cover the samp and beans with plenty of cold water and soak overnight, about 8 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Put them in a large pot with the 1.5 liters of fresh water. Bring to a boil, boil hard for 10 minutes, skim off any foam, then simmer partly covered for 1 1/2 hours, adding hot water as needed so they stay covered.
- Meanwhile heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion for 8 minutes until golden. Add the garlic and chili and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir the onion mixture into the pot with the thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes more, stirring now and then, until creamy, tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Mash a few spoonfuls against the side of the pot to thicken it, then stir in the butter if using. Serve hot with stew, grilled meat or chakalaka.
Tips
- A pressure cooker cuts the time sharply. After soaking, cook the samp and beans for about 40 minutes, then finish with the onion mixture on the stove.
- For a smokier pot, stir in 1/2 tsp smoked paprika with the thyme. A little curry powder is another common addition.
Questions and answers
What is samp?
Samp is dried maize kernels that have been stamped or cracked so they cook faster. It differs from cornmeal. Dried cracked hominy is the nearest substitute outside South Africa.
Can I use canned beans?
Yes. Add rinsed canned beans for the last 30 minutes. The samp still needs the long soak and slow cook.
What do you serve umngqusho with?
Braaied meat, lamb or chicken stew, and chakalaka are all common. It is also eaten on its own with butter.
How long does it take to make Umngqusho (Samp and Beans)?
About 2 h 30 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 2 h 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Umngqusho (Samp and Beans)?
About 340 kcal per serving, with 12 g of protein, 60 g of carbohydrates and 6 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 340 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
