Pap with Spicy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

For the Pap (Maize Meal Porridge):

2 cups maize meal (cornmeal)

4 cups water

½ teaspoon salt

For the Meatballs:

500g minced beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon dried thyme

1 egg

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons cooking oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

2 large tomatoes, blended or grated

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt to taste

½ cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pap:

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.

Add salt and slowly pour in the maize meal while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and smooth.

Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meatballs:

In a bowl, mix minced beef, chopped onions, garlic, black pepper, salt, paprika, thyme, egg, and breadcrumbs until well combined.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs.

Heat oil in a pan and fry the meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage). Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

In the same pan, heat oil and sauté onions until soft.

Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the blended tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well.

Add sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and water. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Add the fried meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for another 10 minutes, ensuring they cook through and absorb the flavors.

4. Serve:

Plate the pap and top with the rich, spicy meatballs and sauce.

Serve with a side of sautéed cabbage and a spicy relish if desired.