Nhopi

(Pumpkin Porridge)

Nhopi is a porridge-like meal which is prepared using few ingredients and is best served hot. The dish is commonly made using pumpkin, butternut or squash as the vegetable base which is then combined with mealie meal (hupfu), peanut butter (dovi) and water (mvura). Nhopi is enjoyed by children and adults. It is often prepared as food for babies who are starting to explore solids and as a meal to feed many people.

Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings:      4

Ingredients

500g                    Pumpkin or Butternut (both called Nhanga) or Squash (Shamba)

1 Tablespoon      Peanut Butter (Dovi)

1 ½ Cup              Water (Mvura)

Optional: 

The following ingredients may be included to liken the final product to personal preferences

For harder consistency        Mealie Meal (Hupfu)

To taste                                Sugar (Shuga)            

Instructions

*optional step

1. Wash and clean 500g pumpkin, butternut or squash. 
2. Peel then cut in half and remove the seeds
3. Chop the pumpkin, butternut or squash into small pieces.
4. Add the pieces to a pot, cover with water and boil for about 30 minutes until fork tender.
5. Add a bit more water should the vegetable need more time to boil
6. *Add ½ a cup  mealie-meal and mix well, breaking up the pieces of soft pumpkin/butternut as you stir. Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the mealie-meal is soft.
7. Mash the pumpkin, butternut or squash until smooth
8. Add peanut butter and sugar (to taste) and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
9. Nhopi is best served hot to warm!

Modern takes of the recipe add spices such as cinnamon and ginger or butter and milk. 

Prepare it your way and tag us on social media!

Image supplied by Chef’s Pencil