How To Cook Mealie Rice?

Mealie rice, also known as samp or umngqusho in South Africa, is a beloved traditional dish. This staple food is made from dried corn kernels that are crushed or chopped. It’s a hearty, filling meal that’s popular across the country. Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty dish at home.

What is Mealie Rice?

Before we start cooking, let’s understand what mealie rice is:

• Mealie is the South African word for corn or maize.
• Mealie rice is made from dried corn kernels that are coarsely ground.
• It’s different from regular rice, which comes from a different plant.
• In some parts of South Africa, people mix mealie rice with beans to make a dish called umngqusho.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To cook mealie rice, you’ll need:

1. Mealie rice (samp): 2 cups
2. Water: 6 cups
3. Salt: 1 teaspoon
4. Butter or oil (optional): 2 tablespoons

Optional ingredients for added flavor:

• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Mixed herbs: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions to Cook Mealie Rice

Now, let’s cook some delicious mealie rice:

Step 1: Rinse the mealie rice

• Put the mealie rice in a bowl.
• Cover it with water and swish it around.
• Pour out the water and repeat 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
• This step removes excess starch and any dirt.

Step 2: Soak the mealie rice (optional but recommended)

• After rinsing, cover the mealie rice with fresh water.
• Let it soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
• Soaking makes the mealie rice cook faster and become softer.

Step 3: Drain and rinse again

• After soaking, drain the water.
• Give the mealie rice one final rinse.

Step 4: Cook the mealie rice

• Put the mealie rice in a large pot.
• Add 6 cups of fresh water.
• Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• Once boiling, turn the heat down to low.
• Cover the pot with a lid.
• Let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the mealie rice is soft.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Season the mealie rice

• When the mealie rice is soft, add salt.
• If you like, add butter or oil for extra flavor.
• Stir well.

Step 6: Final cooking

• Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• The mealie rice should be soft but still have a slight bite.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

• Your mealie rice is now ready to eat!
• Serve it hot as a side dish or as part of your main meal.

Tips for Perfect Mealie Rice

1. Watch the water: If the water boils away before the mealie rice is soft, add more hot water, half a cup at a time.
2. Texture matters: Some people like their mealie rice very soft, others prefer it with a bit of bite. Adjust your cooking time to get the texture you like.
3. Flavor boost: For extra taste, fry some chopped onion and garlic in oil before adding the mealie rice and water.
4. Herb it up: Add dried herbs like thyme or mixed herbs for more flavor.
5. Butter makes it better: A knob of butter stirred in at the end makes the mealie rice creamy and tasty.

Variations of Mealie Rice

In South Africa, people enjoy mealie rice in many ways:

Umngqusho (Samp and Beans)

• Mix mealie rice with beans (usually sugar beans).
• Cook them together for a protein-packed meal.
• This is a favorite dish of former President Nelson Mandela.

Mealie Rice with Chakalaka

• Serve mealie rice with chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish.
• The combo is a true South African classic.

Mealie Rice Porridge

• Cook mealie rice with extra water until very soft.
• Add milk and sugar for a sweet breakfast porridge.

Mealie Rice and Meat Stew

• Serve mealie rice with a rich, meaty stew.
• The mealie rice soaks up the gravy beautifully.

Nutritional Benefits of Mealie Rice

Mealie rice isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too:

• It’s a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Mealie rice contains fiber, which is good for digestion.
• It has some protein, though not as much as beans.
• Mealie rice is naturally low in fat.
• It provides some B vitamins and minerals.

Storing and Reheating Mealie Rice

If you have leftover mealie rice:

• Let it cool to room temperature.
• Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will keep for 3-4 days.
• To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
• Stir well before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mealie Rice

Can I cook mealie rice in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can. It will cook much faster, usually in about 20-30 minutes.

Is mealie rice gluten-free?

Yes, mealie rice is naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze cooked mealie rice?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the difference between mealie rice and samp?

They’re the same thing. “Samp” is just another name for mealie rice.

Can I use mealie rice in place of regular rice in recipes?

You can, but remember that mealie rice has a different texture and takes longer to cook than regular rice.