Mealie Soup

Mealie Soup Recipe from Malawi and Zambia

Region / culture: Malawi, Zambia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mealie Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This creamy soup is made with corn, tomatoes, onions, and a few other simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Mealie Soup has its origins in South Africa, where it is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The name "mealie" comes from the Afrikaans word for corn, which is a key ingredient in this soup. Traditionally, Mealie Soup was made with fresh corn, but this recipe uses canned corn for convenience.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) of butter
1 cup of finely chopped onions
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of canned whole corn, well drained
2 cups of creamed corn
1 can of evaporated milk
3 cups of chicken stock
1 tbsp of salt
1 tsp of black pepper

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat.
Add the onions and sauté for 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
Add the corn, milk, stock, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve with bread or crackers.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or bacon for a protein boost.
Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the canned corn well before adding it to the soup to prevent the soup from becoming too watery.

- For a richer flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.

- Feel free to add in other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mealie Soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version of the soup.

- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Mealie Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve the soup in individual bowls with a side of bread for a cozy and inviting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mealie Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of white wine or a cold beer would also complement the flavors of the soup nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mealie Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, milk)

Summary

Mealie Soup is a rich and creamy soup that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mealie Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This creamy soup is easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of my mother's belongings when I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed piece of paper. As I unfolded it, I realized it was a handwritten recipe for Mealie Soup, a dish I had never heard of before.

I remember the excitement that bubbled up inside me as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for simple, wholesome ingredients like cornmeal, onions, carrots, and chicken broth. It seemed like the perfect comfort food, something warm and nourishing to fill the belly and soothe the soul.

As I held the recipe in my hands, I couldn't help but wonder where it had come from. Had my mother learned to make Mealie Soup from her own mother, or had she picked it up during her travels around the world? The mysterious origins of the recipe only added to its allure, and I knew I had to try making it for myself.

That very evening, I set to work in the kitchen, carefully following the instructions on the worn piece of paper. I chopped the onions and carrots, sautéed them in a bit of butter until they were soft and fragrant. Then, I added the cornmeal and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with a rich, savory aroma.

When it was finally ready, I ladled the Mealie Soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a hesitant sip, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the warm, comforting flavors hit my taste buds, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The Mealie Soup was like a hug in a bowl, comforting and nourishing in a way that only homemade food can be. The sweetness of the cornmeal paired perfectly with the savory broth and tender vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue. From that moment on, Mealie Soup became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make time and time again for myself and my loved ones.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. Sometimes I like to spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper, or add a handful of fresh herbs from my garden. But no matter how I choose to prepare it, Mealie Soup always brings me back to that moment of discovery in my mother's old box of recipes.

I like to think that each time I make Mealie Soup, I am passing down a piece of culinary history to my children and grandchildren. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to nourish our bodies and our spirits, and to bring us together around the table in a shared moment of warmth and comfort.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of home cooking and the memories that it creates. Mealie Soup may have started as a mysterious handwritten note in a dusty box, but it has since become a cherished part of my family's culinary heritage, a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.