Phyllo Pap Tart

Phyllo pap tart by Zakhele Ndlozi, Executive Sous Chef at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom. Image: Supplied

Serves 24

Ingredients

Pap:

· 500ml water

· 250 ml/1 cup milk

· 1 cup maize meal quick cooking

· 5 ml salt

· 125 g butter

Filling:

· 30 ml oil

· 1 onion, chopped

· 2 garlic cloves, crushed

· 200 g rindless streaky bacon, chopped

· 250 g mushrooms, sliced

· 150 g spinach, chopped

· 250g carrots grated.

· 1 can tomato baked beans

· 15 ml sugar

· 5 ml dried Italian herbs

· salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

· 500g cheddar, grated

· 5g parsley

Base:

· 8 sheets phyllo pastry

· 100g melted butter

Method

Pap:

· Using a large saucepan, combine the water and milk, and heat until warm. Add the maize meal and salt, stirring until the mixture is lump-free. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer over very low heat for 5 to 7 minutes.

· Once done, add the butter and mix until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Filling:

· Preheat the oven to 180°C and generously grease an ovenproof dish with butter. In a frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

· Next, add the bacon and mushrooms, frying until golden. Incorporate the carrots, followed by the baked beans, sugar, basil, and seasoning to taste. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Preparation:

· Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan and set it aside to cool. Take one sheet of phyllo pastry, brush it with the melted butter, then place another sheet on top and brush it as well. Cut the layered pastry into six squares and place them into a cupcake tray. Blind bake the empty phyllo pastry for 5 minutes at 180°C, then set aside to cool.

· Next, roughly divide the pap in half. Spoon one-half tablespoon into each muffin cup, spreading it out evenly. Top with half of the filling and half of the cheese. Repeat with another layer of pap, followed by the filling and cheese.

· Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and the cheese has melted.

Enjoy every moment.