| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hr – 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 275 | 6g | 0.5g | 53g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 9g | 7g | 0.4g |
Why I Love South African Butternut Squash Samp
There’s something inherently comforting about preparing and savoring a bowl of the South African delight known as Butternut Squash Samp. Perhaps it’s my love for rustic flavors that gives me a deep appreciation for dishes like this – dishes that marry simple ingredients into something quite extraordinary.
A Globe-Trotting Discovery
Yes, you guessed right. This isn’t your typical Rocky Mountain fare. Butternut Squash Samp entered my cooking repertoire thanks to Gordon, my partner, who spent a good part of his life in South Africa. Sharing our diverse culinary backgrounds, we’ve taken pleasure in blending traditions, and this flavorful, wholesome recipe is one such happy experiment.
Unearthing the Magic in Samp
For the uninitiated, samp is a South African staple, somewhat akin to hominy, and when combined with butternut squash, it lends an enchanting smooth yet grainy texture that I find downright endearing. This recipe gets much of its appeal from its daring yet harmonious blend of flavors – the sweetness of butternut squash, the tang of tomatoes, the heady aroma of herbs, and the heat from the peppers all intertwine in a gastronomic ballet that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re a chili lover like me, the added kick of red pepper flakes does wonder to elevate this humble dish.
Tips for Serving
You can serve Butternut Squash Samp as a hearty main or as a side to a bigger pot roast or South African style game meat, either way, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Given my fondness for pairing Samp with trout, dinner combinations like these transport me back to those delightful fishing trips amidst the tranquillity of the Rocky Mountains.
The recipe, as it is, is vegan, but feel free to incorporate bits of bacon or sausage to suit your taste. Indeed, feel free to make it your own, just as I did, drawing inspiration from the legendary South African culinary maestro Peter Mnguni .
My Final Thoughts
As you savor the Butternut Squash Samp, do take a moment to appreciate the harmony in its simplicity. In our fusion of cultures, cuisines, and traditions, we find recipes that keep us rooted and introduce us to entirely novel experiences. Here’s to many more such heartwarming culinary adventures!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup samp (coarse cornmeal, similar to hominy)
- 5 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced (approximately 3 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking the samp in the 5 cups of water overnight. This is to soften it.
Step Two
After the samp is done soaking, drain out the water. Add fresh water, bring it to a boil in a pot, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 hours or until the samp becomes soft. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Three
In a separate frying pan, heat up the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add in the finely chopped onion and the minced garlic cloves. Cook these until they become fragely and the onion becomes translucent.
Step Four
Add in your diced butternut squash, along with the diced red bell pepper. Cook these until the squash becomes soft.
Step Five
Toss in the chopped tomatoes, chopped rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, salt, black and red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients together, allowing them to cook for a few minutes.
Step Six
Drizzle in the 2 cups of vegetable broth. Ensure to stir it in well. Cook all the ingredients together until a thick sauce is formed.
Step Seven
Mix the softened samp into the pot with the thick vegetable mixture. Stir it thoroughly until everything is combined.
Step Eight
Let the mixture cook for a final 10 minutes on low heat. After this, your Butternut Squash Samp is ready to serve!
Step Nine
For the final touch, garnish your dish with fresh parsley. Note that this is optional but it adds a refreshing taste. Enjoy your meal!
