How To Cook Maotwana

Maotwana, also known as tripe, is a traditional South African delicacy that has been enjoyed for generations. This tender and flavorful dish is made from the lining of beef or sheep stomach and is commonly served with pap, a traditional cornmeal porridge, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Cooking maotwana requires time and care to ensure that it becomes tender and imparts maximum flavor. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking maotwana, so you can experience the authentic taste of South Africa from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg maotwana (beef or sheep tripe)
• 2 onions, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Maotwana

1. Start by thoroughly cleaning the maotwana. Rinse it under cold water, making sure to remove any excess fat or impurities.

2. Once cleaned, cut the maotwana into small bite-sized pieces.

3. Place the maotwana in a large pot and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Cooking the Maotwana

1. In a separate frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the frying pan and sauté until the onions become translucent.

3. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until they begin to soften.

4. Stir in the curry powder, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Transfer the tomato mixture to the pot with the maotwana.

6. Ensure that the maotwana is fully submerged in liquid. If needed, add more water or beef broth to cover the maotwana.

7. Bring the pot to a low simmer and cover it with a lid. Let it cook for 2-3 hours, or until the maotwana is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

8. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

Serving

1. Once the maotwana is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat and discard the bay leaf.

2. Garnish the maotwana with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

3. Serve the maotwana hot alongside pap, a traditional South African cornmeal porridge.

4. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Now that you have learned how to cook maotwana, you can impress your friends and family with this traditional South African dish. Enjoy the tender and flavorful tripe, and savor the rich cultural heritage it represents.