Nshima

May 25, 2023

Nshima

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa that is home to over 70 ethnic groups. The Bemba people are the largest tribe in Zambia, and their cuisine is characterised by bold, spicy flavours and hearty meals. One of their signature dishes is Nshima, a thick porridge made from maize flour, which is typically enjoyed with a variety of stews. Chef Frank Samba shares his Nshima recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cornmeal (one cup per serving is sufficient)
2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
16 cups water (more as or if as needed)

METHOD

Pour cold water (two and 1/2 cups for each cup of cornmeal) into a large pot. Over high heat, begin to bring to a boil.

After a few minutes, when the water is warm, slowly add about half the cornmeal to the water one spoonful at a time, stirring continuously with a sturdy wooden spoon.

Continue cooking (and stirring) until the mixture begins to boil and bubble.

Reduce heat to medium and cook for a few minutes.

Cooking the mixture over medium heat, add the remaining cornmeal, as before, sprinkling it spoonful by spoonful as you continue to stir. It is essential to keep stirring — if making a large quantity, it may take one person to hold the pot and another to use two hands to stir.

The nshima should be very thick (no liquid remaining) and smooth (no lumps). It may reach this point before all of the remaining cornmeal is added to the pot — or it may be necessary to add even more cornmeal than this recipe indicates.

Once the desired consistency is reached, turn off heat, cover the pot, and allow the nshima to stand for a few minutes before serving.

Serve nshima immediately, hot.

With clean hands, tear bits of nshima off and use them to scoop up the curried gazelle.

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