When winter arrives, our bodies crave food that provides comfort and warmth. Samp, a traditional dish made from coarsely crushed dried corn kernels, satisfies these cravings. In South Africa, it’s believed that samp originated from the Khoisan and Xhosa tribes and was later adopted by other groups across the country (finglobal.co.za).

It's known as umngqusho by the Xhosa speakers, isitambu by the Zulu, and stampmielies by the Afrikaans-speaking population.

The beauty of samp lies in its versatility. Its mild, comforting flavour and unique texture means it’s suitable for diverse cooking methods and ingredient pairings.

Samp takes about two hours to cook but you can soak it overnight to speed up the process, use a pressure cooker or, better yet, buy Woolies canned samp and beans to reduce the cooking time. You can also chill it for up to four days in an airtight container to prevent waste.
Whether you’re looking to connect with culinary traditions or simply seeking wholesome comfort food to ward off the winter chill, these recipes offer delicious possibilities that deserve a place at your table.

1. One-pot chicken, mushroom and samp

This one-pot chicken, mushroom and samp recipe delivers slow-cooked flavour in just 45 minutes. Tender free-range chicken and earthy mushrooms are combined with samp and beans in a creamy sauce for the ultimate winter comfort food, without an extended cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave home-style cooking without waiting.

one pot chicken and samp recipe 

2.Marrow bone samp soup 

Samp, soup and bone marrow make so much sense together. This dish combines roasted beef marrow bones, wholesome vegetables, and nutritious samp and beans into a soul-satisfying meal. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with no-yeast bread for an even better experience.

marrow bone samp soup recipe.

3.Seafood samp 

This samp dish stars succulent prawns, tender mussels and earthy mushrooms. Infused with white wine and brightened with lemon pepper, it combines South African comfort food with coastal luxury. Inspired by Mama Dorah's Sitole’s cookbook; 40 Years of iconic food. It's a celebration of heritage with a modern twist.

seafood samp recipe.

4.Fresh corn soup with sausage, samp and beans 

This one-pot meal combines fresh summer corn with pantry staples for an easy and satisfying dinner. Sweetcorn, spicy sausage and nutritious samp and beans is a perfect balance of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours in every spoonful.

corn soup with sausage, samp and beans recipe 

5.Samp-and-bean soup (locro) 

Locro is a traditional Argentinian meat, bean and squash stew often served in winter or on national holidays. It originated in the Andes region under the influence of the indigenous Quechua and Inca cultures before the arrival of Europeans. We might know samp as a South African staple, but it’s enjoyed all around the world in different cultures. This rich, cultural fusion of South African samp and Argentinian locro combines tender beef, samp, beans and seasonal vegetables with a vibrant spice blend.

samp and bean soup (locro) recipe

6.Umngqusho wezambane (samp with potatoes)  

Want to keep it minimal and classic? Indulge in the warmth of umngqusho wezambane, a South African staple combining samp, beans and tender potatoes. This traditional dish elevates everyday ingredients with aromatic vegetables and rich spices for a soul-warming meal. It honours the cultural heritage of samp and beans in the Eastern Cape when meat was scarce and samp and potatoes were often the only way to feed the family.

umngqusho wezambane recipe.

7.Braised beef shortrib samp and beans with spicy grilled tomato sauce

Bring aromatic flavours to your kitchen with beef shortrib, hearty samp, black-eyed beans and a smoky grilled tomato sauce. Phillippa Cheifitz’s South African-inspired creation combines tender, fall-off-the-bone meat with traditional staples for a meal perfect for special occasions. You can pair this with Cabernet Sauvignon if you’re entertaining.

braised beef short rib samp recipe 

8.Samp salad

Reimagine traditional samp in this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring colourful vegetables, fresh herbs, tangy feta, and olives. When you’re in need of a light, warm, and nutritious meal, this is the perfect option. It’s made for those lazy days when you want something light yet filling.

 samp salad recipe. 

Find more samp dishes here

This content was created with AI assistance, however it was fact-checked, edited and ideated by actual human beings at TASTE.