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Nyekoe (Slow-Cooked Sorghum, Bean, and Pumpkin Stew)
A rich, earthy highland Basotho stew of slow-simmered whole grain sorghum, sugar beans, tender pumpkin, and fragrant roasted groundnuts.
The story
Hailing from the rugged highlands of the Maloti Mountains, Nyekoe is an ancient communal staple prepared by Basotho women to celebrate post-harvest gatherings and weddings. Traditionally simmered in heavy three-legged cast-iron pots over open acacia fires, it showcases the resilience of high-altitude dryland crops. The secret technical depth lies in the late addition of crushed roasted peanuts and pumpkin flesh, which emulsify the starchy cooking broth into a velvety, unctuous sauce without needing dairy or added oil.
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