Nhopi Recipe: Creamy Zimbabwean Porridge

July 17, 2025 Odiraa

Nhopi Recipe: Creamy Zimbabwean Butternut Squash and Peanut Butter Porridge

What is Nhopi? Meaning

Nhopi is a traditional Zimbabwean porridge made with pumpkin or butternut squash, cornmeal, and peanut butter.

It’s creamy, warming, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a nutritious snack. This dish is cherished across Southern Africa for its rich flavor and comforting texture.

Although originally made with pumpkin and ground peanut paste, modern variations, like mine, use butternut squash and smooth or crunchy peanut butter for a convenient yet authentic twist.

Why I Love Nhopi (and You Will Too!)

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with peanut butter — I find creative ways to add it to just about anything! That’s one reason I love this Zimbabwean butternut squash porridge.

It’s creamy, nutty, and perfectly spiced.
It’s nutrient-dense, packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
It’s simple and quick, ready in just 30 minutes.
It can be customized with crunchy peanut butter or sweetened to your taste.

This African comfort food is great for slow weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or those cozy evenings when you crave something hearty and homemade.

Nutritional Benefits of Nhopi

Not only is Nhopi delicious, but it also offers amazing health benefits:

Butternut squash is rich in:
- Vitamin A & C
- Vitamin B6, Niacin, and Thiamine
- Potassium and Manganese
Peanut butter adds:
- Healthy fats
- Plant-based protein
- Essential nutrients like Vitamin E and magnesium
Cornmeal provides:
- Complex carbs
- Fiber
- Iron and Zinc

How to Make Nhopi: Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Oil	1 tablespoon
Butternut squash (peeled, deseeded, cubed)	½
Ground coriander	½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	½ teaspoon
Ground ginger	½ teaspoon
Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)	2 tablespoons
Cornmeal	½ cup
Water	~2 cups

Instructions

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add coriander, cinnamon, and ginger. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to release the aroma.
Pour in the butternut squash and add 1½ cups of water.
Cover and cook until soft, about 10–15 minutes.
Stir in the peanut butter and let it simmer for another 3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup cornmeal with ½ cup water until smooth and lump-free.
Slowly pour the cornmeal mixture into the pot while stirring continuously.
Mash the squash as you stir. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Serve warm — with milk or without, depending on your preference.

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, roast your butternut squash before cooking.
Want it sweeter? Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or honey.
Want it chunky? Use crunchy peanut butter.
Add a touch of vanilla or nutmeg for a dessert-like twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a splash of warm milk for a creamier texture.
Pair with boiled eggs or toast for a more filling breakfast.
Add sliced bananas or raisins for a sweeter version.

Final Thoughts

Nhopi is more than just porridge — it’s a taste of Zimbabwean tradition. It’s comforting, easy to make, and nourishing for all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy African breakfast recipe or a unique peanut butter dish, this Nhopi recipe is one you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Recipe Card: Nhopi (Zimbabwean Butternut Peanut Porridge)

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: African, Zimbabwean
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 2 | Calories: 356 kcal
Keywords: Nhopi, Zimbabwean porridge, Butternut peanut porridge, African breakfast