South African Culinary Heritage Collection
SA Recipes
Ref: SAR-0018
Printed 03 November 2026
Quick & Easy
Side Dishes
Vegetarian
Samp and Beans (Umngqusho)
Recipe by
Christo Lochenberg
Published 13 November 2025
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Ingredients
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- 250ml (1 cup) Samp
- 250ml (1 cup) Dried sugar beans
- 2.5 litres (10 cups) Water (for soaking) + extra for cooking
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Oil or butter
- 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 125ml (1/2 cup) Fresh cream (optional, for richer flavour)
About This Recipe
A staple dish in Xhosa culture, made from slowly cooked sugar beans and samp (dried corn kernels that have been stamped and crushed). It's a comforting, hearty, and nutritious side dish or vegetarian main.
Preparation Instructions
- Soak: Rinse the samp and dried sugar beans. Place them in separate bowls, cover generously with cold water (about 2.5 litres each), and soak overnight (at least 8-12 hours). This significantly reduces cooking time.
- Cook: Drain the soaked samp and beans. Place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Cover with fresh cold water (about 3-4 times the volume of the samp and beans). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until both the samp and beans are tender. Add more hot water during cooking if necessary to prevent drying out.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the samp and beans are simmering, heat the oil or butter in a separate frying pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic (if using) and carrot (if using) and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Combine: Once the samp and beans are tender, drain any excess water, but leave a little if you prefer a creamier consistency. Stir in the sautéed onion (and garlic/carrot).
- Season: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Optional Creaminess: For a richer taste, stir in the fresh cream just before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish for stews, curries, or braai meat.
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© 2026 SA Recipes · Recipe by Christo Lochenberg
Source: https://sarecipes.co.za/browse/recipe/samp-and-beans-umngqusho · Developed by Christo Lochenberg
