Cooking Cow Head Meat and Pap - Authentic South African Street Food

cow head

🥗Healthier: beef shank

💰Cheaper: chicken necks

Beef shank offers similar flavors while being more accessible.

pap

🥗Healthier: millet porridge

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Cornmeal is a cost-effective substitute for traditional pap.

Clean the cow head thoroughly and cut it into manageable pieces.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in chopped tomatoes and green peppers; cook until tomatoes break down, about 7 minutes.

Add cow head pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Season with spices, salt, and black pepper; mix well to coat the meat.

Pour in enough water to cover the meat; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for several hours until meat is tender, stirring occasionally.

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil for pap; add cornmeal and stir continuously.

Cook pap until thickened and smooth, about 15-20 minutes.

Serve the cow head stew hot alongside the pap, garnished with fresh herbs.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: