Umqa (Pumpkin & Maize Meal Porridge)
Traditional Umqa made with soft butternut and maize meal, cooked to a creamy, comforting texture and served warm as a classic SA home dish. Follow this simple method to recreate a beloved classic at home.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups maize meal (white or yellow)
- 3–4 cups water (for cooking maize meal)
- 500 g pumpkin or squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp cooking oil or butter
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- sugar or honey for a sweet version (Optional)
Instructions
- Cook pumpkin: In a medium pot, boil or steam pumpkin cubes until tender (10–15 minutes). Mash roughly.
- Prepare maize meal porridge: Bring water to a boil in a separate pot, add a pinch of salt, and gradually stir in maize meal. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps, until thick and smooth (about 15–20 minutes).
- Combine: Mix mashed pumpkin into the maize meal porridge. Stir well and cook together for another 5–10 minutes.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and optional sugar or honey depending on preference. Add a knob of butter or oil for extra richness.
- Serve: Serve warm as a main meal, side dish, or breakfast porridge.
