What’s your flavour: soft or krummel?

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Krummel or soft? Photo: Canva
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Maize meal is a staple in many South African kitchens, often prepared as pap. This dish comes in two main varieties: soft pap and krummel pap. Each has its unique texture and culinary uses, making them essential in different meals.

Creamy comfort

Soft pap or porridge, is known for its smooth, creamy texture. To prepare it, you boil water and gradually stir in maize meal, mixing continuously until it thickens into a velvety porridge. This comforting dish is especially popular for breakfast

Soft pap is often served with milk, honey, or fresh fruit for a nutritious start to the day. It also pairs wonderfully with savoury dishes like stews and grilled meats, soaking up their flavours beautifully.

White Star and Ace are well-known brands for producing high-quality maize meal that results in excellent soft pap. Their finely milled maize meal creates the perfect texture, ensuring a satisfying breakfast or side dish.

The firm favourite

On the other hand, krummel pap has a firm, crumbly texture. This is achieved by using less water than for soft pap. After cooking, the mixture is fluffed with a fork, resulting in a light, crumbly consistency

Krummel pap is often served as a side dish, complementing rich stews, grilled meats and braai favourites. Its firmness makes it easy to scoop up sauces, enhancing the flavours of whatever it’s paired with

Brands like 5 Star and Super White are favoured in South Africa for their maize meal, which is perfect for making krummel pap. These products yield a fluffy texture that’s ideal for enjoying with hearty meals.

Choosing your flavour

The choice between soft and krummel pap often comes down to personal preference and the type of meal being served. Soft pap is excellent for absorbing flavours, making it a great companion for saucy dishes. In contrast, krummel pap is a welcomed side dish at every braai, an experience smothered in tomato and onion relish.

So, what’s your flavour? Both soft and krummel pap bring unique qualities to the table, showcasing the versatility of maize meal. Whether you prefer the creamy comfort of soft pap or the crumbly goodness of krummel pap, each variety enriches the South African culinary landscape.

Also read: Embracing farm to table. Eat fresh – support local!

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