Ingredients:

For the pap

• 2 cups maize meal
• 4 cups of water
• Chopped parsley
• Butter



For the beef stew

• 750 grams Stewing meat
• 1 Green pepper
• 1 Onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 carrots
• 1 celery stick
• 2 bay leaves
• Paprika (for seasoning)


• Pap (osthithima in oshiwambo) and stew is one of Namibian staple foods and one cuisine unique to Africans. There is richness, heat and pretty flavors packed into the fascinating blend of indigenous dishes. When prepared with a solar cooker there is a contribution to increased greenhouse gases. Pap (osthithima) is a staple food in the Northern part of Namibia. It can be made from maize meal or mahungu depending on preference. For this recipe maize meal is used
• 2 stock cubes
• Paprika (for seasoning)
• 2 stock cubes

Method:

For the pap

• 1. First, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan.
• 2. Mix two cups of the maize flour or sorghum flour with cold water and add it to the pot and stir until a thick texture is formed. Ensure that it is not too thick as it needs to cook, and we are able to stir.
• 3. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-10 minutes with the lid on, stirring occasionally.
• 4.Gradually add flour until the mixture reaches the preferred consistency, ensuring it does not become overly thick.
• 5.Allow it to cook for a few additional minutes before dishing out.
• 6.Stir in chopped parsley and butter before serving. Pap can be served with any stew and spinach prepared in any way of your choice.



For the beef stew

• 1. Pre-heat the pot on the solar cooker, you can add a bit of oil to the pot while it is pre-heating.
• 2. While the pot is being pre-heated prepare your beef stew by seasoning the beef chunks on all sides with salt and pepper.
• 3. Add onions, pepper, garlic and any herbs of your choice parsley or dill.
• 4. Let it cook for approximately an hour to 1.5 hours to ensure that it is soft, tender and the meat properly absorbs the flavors.
• 5. Occasionally add water (you can also add vegetable or beef stock for more flavors), if the fluid/sauce starts to dry out. However, do not add too much of the veggie or beef stock.
• 6. Let it simmer until the sauce achieves a thick consistency before serving (you can use Maizen to thicken if necessary).
• 7. Serve with your pap, and enjoy !