Lesesone

Lesesone is a traditional Southern African dish, particularly popular in Lesotho and South Africa. It is a type of fermented porridge or a thickened soup made from maize meal. The fermentation process gives lesesone a distinctive sour taste and a slightly thicker consistency than regular maize porridge.

The preparation of lesesone typically involves cooking maize meal with water and then allowing it to ferment for a period of time, often overnight or longer, depending on the desired level of sourness. Some variations may include adding a starter culture from a previous batch of lesesone or other ingredients to aid fermentation. It can be eaten as is, or sometimes served with vegetables, meat, or beans. The sourness of lesesone is a key characteristic and is often enjoyed as a palate cleanser or a refreshing accompaniment to other foods. It is a staple food in many households, valued for its nutritional content and its role in traditional cuisine.