Afrikaner CuisineCape Malay CuisineDurban Indian

Phutu

Name: Phutu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Durban Indian, South African
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon butter; 2 cups maize meal; 500ml (2 cups) water; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (as per taste)

Phutu, Phuthu or Uphuthu, is a conventional arrangement strategy for maize meal in South African food.

By DenisiyaPublished on April 25, 2017

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Prep Time15 mins

🍳

Cook Time25 mins

⌛

Total Time40 mins

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ServingsServes 4

This South African Food Recipe Serves 2

Phutu, Phuthu or Uphuthu, is a conventional arrangement strategy for maize meal in South African food.

It is a dish made by the way toward steaming maize meal on low warmth to form a crumb like texture. Like South African Pap (a thick porridge like dish) – Phutu is likewise enjoyed with meat, vegetables &/or sour milk (maas). In spite of the fact that it is generally connected with Indigenous African & Afrikaner Cuisines – it is not broadly realized that Phutu is one of the principle dishes in the Rural South African Indian Kitchen.

Pronunciation : poo-too

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Ingredients

Scale:

Base Yield: Serves 4

1 teaspoon butter
2 cups maize meal
500ml (2 cups) water
1 1/2 teaspoon salt (as per taste)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

12 Steps

Step 1
In a large thick based pot/pan, pour in water, add the salt & bring to a boil.
Step 2
Turn down the heat once the water starts to boil.
Step 3
Immediately add in the maize meal. I have used the Nyala maize meal but you are welcome to use any other brand.
Step 4
As soon as the maize meals hits the water, begin stirring with a fork or a wooden spoon. I prefer using a fork.
Step 5
Continue mixing with a fork or wooden spoon until the water starts to evaporate.
Step 6
It should start forming a crumbly texture.
Step 7
To make the mixture of the more thick, add more maize meal & to make the mixture more weak, add more boiling water.
Step 8
The next step is completely optional. Add in the butter.
Step 9
Mix well.
Step 10
Serve hot.
Step 11
Phutu goes well with Curries, Chakalaka, Chutneys, Braais or as a side to a meal.
Step 12
Also goes well with Sausage With Baked Beans Curry or Durban Prawn Curry.

Video Tutorial

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Phutu

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Phutu?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Phutu in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers for best flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes

About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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Phutu

Cook Along With Denisiya on YouTube

This South African Food Recipe Serves 2

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Watch How It's Made

Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Meet Denisiya

Comments & Community

Leave a Comment

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