South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0019
Printed 03 November 2026
Breakfast
Kid-Friendly
Side Dishes
Mieliepap (Maize Meal Porridge)
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 13 November 2025
1,522
Total Views
0
Community Likes
0
Dislikes
Download PDF
Only for registered users
Ingredients
Tip: Click any item to cross it off while you prep.
- For Stywe Pap (Firm Pap):
- 250ml (1 cup) Fine or medium maize meal
- 750ml (3 cups) Cold water
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) Salt
- For Krummelpap (Crumbly Pap):
- 250ml (1 cup) Coarse maize meal
- 375ml (1.5 cups) Cold water
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) Salt
- For Slap Pap (Runny Pap - breakfast):
- 250ml (1 cup) Fine maize meal
- 1 litre (4 cups) Cold water or milk
- Pinch of salt
About This Recipe
A cornerstone of South African cuisine, mieliepap is a thick porridge made from maize meal. It's incredibly versatile, served thick as a side dish (krummelpap or stywe pap) or thinner for breakfast (slap pap).
Preparation Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the specified amount of cold water (or milk for slap pap) and salt to a rolling boil.
- Gradually sprinkle in the maize meal, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps.
- Once all the maize meal is added and the mixture thickens, reduce the heat to very low.
- For Stywe Pap/Krummelpap: Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Allow it to simmer and steam undisturbed for 30-45 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid often. After 30 minutes, stir vigorously to break up any lumps and ensure even cooking. If it's too dry, add a tiny bit of boiling water. Continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes.
- For Slap Pap: Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 10-15 minutes until smooth and desired consistency is reached.
- Serving:
- Stywe Pap: Traditionally served with tomato and onion relish (smoor), stews, or braai meat.
- Krummelpap: Often served with braai meat and a rich gravy.
- Slap Pap: Served for breakfast with milk, sugar, butter, or syrup.
Community Feedback
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?
Help other South African home cooks discover tried-and-tested favourites by leaving your rating.
Back to All Public Recipes
Download Recipe PDF
Only for registered users
© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/mieliepap-maize-meal-porridge · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
