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Maputi
Maputi: Zimbabwean dried maize popped in a hot pot with salt
Sold by the cupful from enamel basins at Mbare bus terminus and passed around at rural beer-hall gatherings and funerals alike, maputi is maize popped in a dry, lidded pot until the kernels split into white, crunchy clouds. It tastes plainer and more of corn than cinema popcorn, with just salt and sometimes a few roasted peanuts tossed through. Children carry pockets of it to school; adults eat it with a mug of sweet tea in the afternoon. Abroad, popping corn gives the most reliable result; dried field maize from African grocers pops less, with more half-open kernels, which some people prefer. The mistake to avoid is lifting the lid while the kernels are still popping, which lets the heat escape and leaves a pot of hard duds. Chef's tip: shake the pot constantly over the flame so no kernel sits on the hot base long enough to burn.
- Total time
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 3 ½ oz popping corn kernelsor dried maize kernels from an African grocer
- 1 tbsp sunflower oiloptional for the traditional dry pot, but it helps at home
- ½ tsp fine salt
- 1 ¾ oz roasted peanuts (optional)
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Put 1 tbsp sunflower oil and three kernels from 3 ½ oz popping corn kernels into a large heavy pot with a tight lid, set it over a medium-high heat and cover.
2 minStep 2: When the three test kernels pop, tip in the rest of the maize, shake to spread it in one layer and cover again.
Step 3: Keep the pot moving, shaking it back and forth over the heat, as the kernels pop. Don't lift the lid.
4 minStep 4: When the popping slows to one every 2–3 seconds, take the pot off the heat and leave it covered for 30 seconds so the last few can burst.
1 minStep 5: Tip the maputi into a wide bowl, leaving any unpopped kernels behind in the pot, and toss with ½ tsp fine salt while hot.
Step 6: Mix in 1 ¾ oz roasted peanuts if you are using them and eat warm or once cool, while it is still crisp.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 140 kcal
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbs
- 18 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does maputi take?
- About 12 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
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