Maputi — Print Recipe — The Culinary Codex

Dried maize kernels roasted in hot sand or a dry pan until they pop and puff up, seasoned with salt, a beloved Zimbabwean street snack.

Instructions

1 Select large, dry maize kernels and remove any damaged or discolored ones from the batch.
2 Heat a heavy dry skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, no oil needed.
3 Add maize kernels in a single layer and shake the pan continuously to prevent burning.
4 Roast for eight to ten minutes, shaking constantly, until kernels puff up and turn golden brown.
5 Some kernels will pop partially while others will remain crunchy. Both textures are desirable.
6 Transfer to a bowl, season with salt while still hot, and shake to distribute evenly. Serve at room temperature.

Did You Know?

Maputi vendors are found at every bus station, school gate, and market in Zimbabwe, making it the country's most ubiquitous street snack.