South African T-Bone Steak with Pap, Chakalaka, and Tomato Spinach

Ingredients

• 2 T-bone steaks (thick cut)
• 2 tbsp Steak spice or BBQ rub (such as Six Gun Grill or similar South African spice blend)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil (for searing)
• 2 cup Maize meal (for the pap)
• 4 cup Water (for boiling the pap)
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 1 cup Chakalaka (store-bought or homemade spicy vegetable relish)
• 300 g Spinach (fresh, chopped)
• 0.5 Onion (finely diced)
• 1 Tomato (diced)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the pap: Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Slowly whisk in the maize meal until the mixture begins to thicken. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let it steam for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a smooth, stiff consistency.

2. 2

   Season the T-bone steaks generously on both sides with steak spice or your preferred BBQ rub. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until smoking slightly.

4. 4

   Place the steaks in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

5. 5

   While the steak rests, prepare the tomato spinach: Sauté the diced onion in a small pan with a splash of oil until translucent. Add the diced tomato and cook until softened.

6. 6

   Add the chopped spinach to the tomato and onion mixture. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until wilted, then season with salt and pepper.

7. 7

   Warm the chakalaka in a small saucepan or microwave if not serving at room temperature.

8. 8

   Plate the meal by serving a generous portion of pap, topped or sided with chakalaka, the tomato spinach, and the rested T-bone steak.

Notes

This is a quintessential South African comfort meal. If you prefer 'Phutu' (crumbly pap), use less water. Chakalaka can be found in cans (like Koo brand) or made fresh with carrots, peppers, and curry powder.

Nutrition per serving

• Main Course
• Dinner
• South African
• High Protein
• Comfort Food
• Grilled
• Steak