🇱🇸 Basotho (Lesotho) Cuisine

Poone

Maize Bread

Prep Time 15 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Calories 224 kcal

A dense, slightly crumbly bread made from maize meal, baked or cooked on a griddle. This golden-crusted bread has a subtle sweetness from the corn and pairs perfectly with stews and relishes.

Ingredients

3 cups fine maize meal
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1.5 cups boiling water
1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1 Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
2 Mix maize meal, salt, and sugar in a bowl
3 Pour in boiling water and stir quickly
4 Add melted butter and beaten egg, mix well
5 Press the dough into a greased baking pan
6 Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden on top
7 Let cool slightly before slicing
8 Serve warm with butter or alongside stew

Did You Know?

Poone was traditionally cooked buried under hot coals, giving it a distinctive smoky crust. Modern versions baked in ovens are considered convenient but purists insist the coal method produces the best flavor.