Southern Africa · Dessert
Khohloane (Sweet Steamed Sorghum and Dried Apricot Dumplings)
Earthy sorghum dumplings studded with sweet sun-dried apricots and steamed to a dense, pillowy perfection in aromatic corn husk parcels.
The story
Hailing from the orchards and terraced hillsides of the southern Senqu River Valley, Khohloane is a beloved Basotho afternoon confection traditionally prepared during the late summer apricot harvest. Basotho home cooks steam these hearty parcels over a bed of peach twigs and maize leaves rather than metal racks to prevent scorching and impart a delicate floral smokiness. A critical culinary detail lies in using fermented sorghum flour wash or warm whey, which activates the natural starches to yield a moist, tender crumb despite the absence of wheat gluten.
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