Swazi Spice Sampler

The Swazi Spice Sampler is a celebration of the rich culinary traditions of Eswatini, also known as Swaziland. This dish brings together the vibrant flavors and aromatic spices that characterize Swazi cuisine. Influenced by African, Portuguese, and Indian culinary practices, this sampler provides a wholesome sensory journey. Swazi cuisine typically features maize and sorghum-based dishes, with hearty stews, and a wide variety of vegetables and spices. This sampler includes traditional favorites that highlight these flavors, giving you a comprehensive taste of the Swazi palate.

Ingredients

• Maize Meal (Mealie Meal)
• Sorghum Meal
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Onion
• Peanuts
• Beef
• Curry Powder
• Turmeric
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cooking Oil
• Butter
• Sugar

Preparation

Preparing the Maize Porridge (Pap)

1. Bring water to a boil in a pot, gradually add maize meal, and stir continuously to prevent lumps.
2. Reduce heat and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the porridge thickens to a dough-like consistency.
3. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

Cooking the Sorghum Side

1. In a separate pot, boil water and add sorghum meal.
2. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste.
3. Stir continually until it reaches a creamy consistency.
4. Simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes or until the sorghum is tender.

Preparing the Spinach and Peanut Stew

1. In a pan, heat some cooking oil and sauté diced onion until translucent.
2. Add crushed garlic and chopped spinach and cook until the spinach wilts.
3. Mix in ground peanuts and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until the flavors meld together.

Beef Curry Preparation

1. Cut beef into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, curry powder, and turmeric.
2. In a pot, heat some cooking oil and brown the seasoned beef.
3. Add chopped onion and tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
4. Add a bit of water, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the beef is tender, about 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally and add water if needed to prevent sticking.

Cooking Process

This entire process will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. You might want to set a timer to help with the timing of different parts of the meal.

Assembly and Presentation

1. Scoop the maize pap onto a serving platter.
2. Spoon the sorghum beside the pap.
3. Ladle the spinach and peanut stew over part of the maize or sorghum.
4. Lastly, pour the beef curry into a separate bowl on the side.

How to Enjoy the Swazi Spice Sampler

This Swazi Spice Sampler is best enjoyed with family and friends, serving as a communal dish that echoes the communal spirit of Swazi feasts. Use your hands to eat, as is customary, or provide utensils for comfort. Pair it with a refreshing drink like a local ginger beer or sweetened iced tea. To fully appreciate the flavors, be sure to sample the maize, sorghum, stew, and curry in single bites to experience the interplay of textures and tastes typical of Eswatini cuisine. The hearty beef curry, creamy sorghum, and nutty spinach stew harmony will transport your taste buds to the heart of Africa.