Umngqusho facts for kids
Umngqusho
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| Course | samp with sugar beans, butter, onions, potatoes, chili peppers |
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| Place of origin | South Africa |
Umngqusho is a popular and tasty dish from South Africa. It is made mainly from samp (which are dried corn kernels that have been crushed) and sugar beans. People often eat it with a type of chicken called "umleqwa" in the isiXhosa language. This meal is a very important part of many South African families' diets. The Zulu people call it "isitambu," while the Xhosa people call it "umngqusho."
Contents
How to Say Umngqusho
Learning to say "Umngqusho" can be a bit tricky but fun! It is pronounced like "oom-nqoo-shoh." The special part is the "nq" sound. To make it, you need to press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your front teeth. Then, quickly pull it away to make a clicking sound. Remember, the 'q' in this word does not sound like the 'k' in English words.
How to Make Umngqusho
Making Umngqusho takes a little time, but it is worth it!
Getting Started
First, you need to soak the samp and sugar beans. Put them in cold water and let them sit overnight. This makes them softer and quicker to cook.
Cooking the Dish
After soaking, drain the water from the samp and beans. Place them in a large pot with about 1 liter (which is about 4 cups) of fresh water. Boil them until they become soft. Once they are soft, you can add salt and pepper to taste.
Adding More Flavor
Some chefs in South Africa like to add extra ingredients to make Umngqusho even more delicious. They might include onions, garlic, and different spices to improve the taste. The Xhosa version of Umngqusho is often served with butter or fat. This was said to be the favorite dish of Nelson Mandela, a very important leader in South Africa's history.
