How to Make Pap: A Traditional South African Staple

Making pap is quick and easy, requiring only a pot, maize meal, and water. The trick to achieving the perfect consistency lies in slowly adding maize meal and stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Once cooked, pap becomes a hearty, satisfying dish that is both filling and affordable.

There are three main types of pap:

• Stywe Pap (stiff pap) – Firm and thick, often shaped into a ball and eaten with stew.
• Krummelpap (crumbly pap) – Dry and grainy, commonly paired with a rich tomato sauce or boerewors.
• Slap Pap (soft pap) – Smooth and porridge-like, perfect for breakfast with sugar, milk, or butter.

Whether you enjoy it as part of a hearty dinner or a comforting breakfast, mastering the art of making pap is essential for experiencing true South African cuisine. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time 

• Boiling Water: 5 minutes
• Cooking & Steaming: 15–20 minutes

Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

For Stywe Pap (Stiff Pap)

• 2½ cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups maize meal (white cornmeal)

For Krummelpap (Crumbly Pap)

• 2½ cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups maize meal

For Slap Pap (Soft Pap)

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup maize meal
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Directions to Make Pap

How to Make Stywe Pap (Stiff Pap)

1. In a large pot, bring 2½ cups of water to a boil and add salt.
2. Slowly pour in 2 cups of maize meal, do not stir immediately—let it sit for a minute.
3. Stir using a wooden spoon, mixing from the centre outward to prevent lumps.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it steam for 10 minutes.
5. Stir well, ensuring all maize meal is incorporated. Cover and cook for 10 more minutes.
6. Once firm, shape into balls or serve as a side dish with meat or stew.

How to Make Krummelpap (Crumbly Pap)

1. In a pot, bring 2½ cups of water to a gentle boil and add salt.
2. Slowly sprinkle the maize meal over the water, ensuring it stays dry on top.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to steam on low heat for 10 minutes.
4. Use a fork to gently mix and separate the grains.
5. Cover and steam for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it crumbly.
6. Serve hot with a rich tomato sauce, chakalaka, or wors (boerewors sausage).

How to Make Slap Pap (Soft Pap)

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Add salt.
2. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of maize meal, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
4. Add butter for extra flavour and smoothness.
5. Serve warm with sugar, milk, or honey for a delicious breakfast, or enjoy as a side with savoury dishes.

How to Prepare Pap (Maize Meal)

To make perfect pap, follow these key tips:

• Use boiling water before adding maize meal to help cook it evenly.
• Slowly sprinkle the maize meal while stirring to prevent lumps.
• Cover and let it steam after stirring—this allows the maize meal to fully absorb the water.
• Use a fork for krummelpap to separate the grains properly.
• Add butter or milk to slap pap for a smoother, richer texture.

Once prepared, serve pap immediately while hot, as it thickens and sets as it cools.

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal.

FAQs

Can I use yellow maize meal instead of white maize meal?

Yes! Yellow maize meal works just as well, though white maize meal is more commonly used in South Africa.

How do I reheat leftover pap?

Reheat in a pot with a splash of water on low heat, stirring until warmed through. For slap pap, add milk while reheating to keep it creamy.

What can I eat with pap?

Pap is best served with braaied meat, stews, chakalaka, tomato sauce, or even milk and sugar for breakfast.

Can I freeze cooked pap?

Yes, you can freeze pap in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost and reheat with a little water or milk.

How do I make pap fluffier?

For fluffy stywe pap, stir it well while cooking, and let it steam covered for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion 

Pap is a beloved staple in South African cuisine, enjoyed in many different forms. Whether you prefer stywe pap, krummelpap, or slap pap, this simple maize meal dish is delicious, filling, and easy to prepare.

The secret to perfect pap lies in boiling the water first, adding maize meal gradually, and stirring well to prevent lumps. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavours to develop, giving you a smooth, fluffy, or crumbly texture, depending on your preference.

This versatile dish can be served savory or sweet—enjoy stywe pap with a rich beef stew, krummelpap with tomato sauce and boerewors, or slap pap with milk and sugar for breakfast. It’s also a perfect companion for braais (barbecues), hearty family meals, and traditional gatherings.

Now that you know how to make authentic South African pap, why not try it today? Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, pap is a comforting, budget-friendly dish that brings people together. Enjoy it with your favourite sides and experience the taste of true South African tradition!