Paptert, or “Porridge Tart” in direct translation, is a delicious, cheesy, and creamy South African dish often served at braais. This layered dish combines maize meal porridge (pap) with a rich and savory filling, topped with melted cheese for an indulgent finish. Here’s how you can make the perfect paptert at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pap:
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 3 cups maize meal
- 1 can whole kernel corn
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 2 onions, diced
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 250g bacon, diced
- 250ml fresh cream
- 1/2 packet cream of mushroom soup powder
- Mixed herbs, salt, and pepper to taste
- 250g cheese, grated (cheddar or your favorite type)
How to Make Paptert – Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pap
- Heat water in a pot over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the milk with the maize meal in a separate bowl to form a paste.
- Slowly add the maize meal mixture to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it steam for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the whole kernel corn and set aside.
2. Make the Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil.
- Add the diced bacon and fry until crispy.
- Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms last, as they cook quickly.
- Season with mixed herbs, salt, and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream with the cream of mushroom soup powder until smooth.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cream mixture.
3. Layer the Paptert
- Preheat the oven or a covered grill (Weber) to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Start with a layer of pap at the bottom of the dish.
- Add a layer of the bacon and vegetable filling.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
4. Bake the Paptert
- Place the dish in the oven or covered grill over indirect heat.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, turning the dish 90 degrees halfway through for even cooking.
- Remove when the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the paptert rest for a few minutes before serving. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
This dish is perfect for any braai and will impress your guests with its rich flavors and comforting textures. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!