Samp is a staple food in many African countries, consisting of dried and crushed corn kernels. It has a porridge-like texture and mild corn flavor that pairs well with savory sauces and meats. Samp takes on the flavors of whatever you cook it with, making it a versatile ingredient. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook samp and making a rich, creamy sauce to serve it with.
1. How To Cook Samp
Ingredients
For the Samp
- 2 cups dried samp
- 6 cups water or broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded white gouda cheese
- 2 tablespoons seasoning spice (I use a blend of paprika, thyme, black pepper and cayenne)
- 1/2 teaspoon dill
Instructions
Cooking the Samp
Rinse the dried samp thoroughly in a colander under running water. Pick out any debris or particles.
In a large pot, bring the water or broth to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the rinsed samp and salt.
Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the samp is tender. The samp is done when the kernels are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid. Add more hot water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
When done, the samp should have a thick, porridge-like texture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the cornflour until smooth and combined. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk, cream, and sour cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk constantly.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency. Remove from heat.
Stir in the shredded gouda cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Add the seasoning spice blend and dill. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Scoop the hot cooked samp into bowls. Generously top with the creamy sauce. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, herbs, or spices if desired. Enjoy this comforting samp dish!
The creaminess of the sauce pairs perfectly with the texture of the samp. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, spices, or mix-ins to find your favorite creamy samp recipe. Samp makes for wonderful leftovers too – simply reheat portions with a splash of milk to thin out the porridge. This versatile ingredient can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to whip up bowls of flavorful, satisfying samp in no time.
