Easy Creamy Camp Recipe
Learn how to make creamy samp with this easy recipe. Made with soaked samp, milk, fresh cream, and simple seasonings, this rich and comforting Southern African classic is delicious on its own or served with stew, chakalaka, spinach, or grilled meat.
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 125 g (about ¾ cup / 4.4 oz) Samp (coarsely broken maize kernels), soaked in water for 8 hours
- 1 small onion , diced
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons plain flour/ all purpose flour
- 150 ml (⅔ cup / 5 fl oz) milk
- 150 ml (⅔ cup / 5 fl oz) heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- a pinch of nutmeg
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste
Instructions
- After soaking the samp for about 8 hours, drain and rinse it until the water runs fairly clear.
- Transfer the samp to a medium pot and add enough water to cover it completely. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the samp is soft and tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent it from drying out or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- About 5 minutes before the samp is done cooking, whisk together the milk and cream in a bowl.
- Heat the oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Sauté the onion for about 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well until combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream mixture, whisking continuously until smooth. Stir in the sugar, dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Once the samp is soft, remove it from the heat and drain it, reserving some of the cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Add the cooked samp to the creamy sauce and stir until well combined. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a little of the reserved cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Finally, stir in the butter until melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed.
- Your creamy samp is now ready to serve. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with your favourite stew, chakalaka, spinach, or grilled meat.