Botswanan Bogobe – also called “slap-pap” – is a Botswanan national favorite mealtime staple. The word roughly translates to “stiff porridge” and slap-pap is just that – stiff, and rather mild tasting. But it is nevertheless a remarkably tasty accompaniment to main entrees. Bogobe serves as a lighter taste and varying texture to go along with the meats, soups, stews, and vegetable dishes found in Botswana cuisine.
Bogobe with Seswaa (Photo Attributed to author: Kalanga)
Its full name is “Bogobe jwa lerotse”, and it has a marvelously subtle flavor provided by the lerotse melon ingredient.
Lerotse melon appears almost identical as the common watermelon, but it has orange flesh, and is not at all sweet. Eaten raw, the taste is reminiscent of cucumber. However, when cooked, it gives the bogobe its unmistakably unique flavor.
Botswanan Bogobe is traditionally often served with a very tasty meat dish called Seswaa.
