Introduction to Lesotho cuisine
Lesotho, also known as the Kingdom in the Sky, is a landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. The country’s cuisine is influenced by its geography and climate, which is reflected in its hearty and comforting meals. Lesotho cuisine is characterized by stews, curries, and soups that are slow-cooked over an open fire. The country’s cuisine features a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, and lamb, as well as local vegetables and grains, such as maize and sorghum.
Staple dishes of Lesotho
One of the most popular dishes in Lesotho is pap, which is similar to South Africa’s mieliepap. It is a thick porridge made from white cornmeal and served with meat and vegetable stews. Another staple dish is moroho, a leafy green vegetable similar to spinach that is often cooked with onion, tomato, and a spicy relish called chakalaka. A third staple dish is samp, a dish made from ground corn that is similar to hominy grits in the United States. It is often served with meat stews or as a side dish.
Meat dishes of Lesotho
Lesotho is known for its meat dishes, which are often cooked slowly over an open fire. One popular meat dish is braaivleis, which is a BBQ-style grilled meat that is often served with relish and pap. Another popular dish is sesotho, which is a traditional lamb stew that includes vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions. Mokoenya is another lamb dish that is a must-try in Lesotho. It is slow-cooked in a pit and seasoned with local herbs and spices.
Vegetarian dishes to try
Although meat dishes are popular in Lesotho, there are also a variety of vegetarian options to try. One of the most popular vegetarian dishes is lentil curry, which is a spicy dish made with lentils, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Another vegetarian dish is khaki, which is a dish made from pumpkin leaves that are cooked with onion, tomato, and spices. Morojo, a dish made from a type of sorghum, is also a great vegetarian option.
Snacks and street food
For those looking for a quick bite, Lesotho offers a variety of street food options. Skopo, which is grilled sheep’s head, is a popular snack in Lesotho and is often sold by street vendors. Kotas, a type of sandwich made from a hollowed-out loaf of bread, is also a popular street food option. Another popular snack is magwinya, which are deep-fried dough balls that are similar to South African vetkoek.
Desserts and drinks to taste
For dessert, try Lesotho’s national dish, melktert, which is a creamy, custard-filled pastry that is popular throughout Southern Africa. Another popular dessert is bofrot, a type of fried dough that is similar to beignets. To wash it all down, try Lesotho’s traditional beer, which is called sesotho. It is a sour, maize-based beer that is brewed in clay pots and is often served at celebrations and ceremonies. For something non-alcoholic, try maheu, which is a sweet, fermented drink made from maize.
