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Botswana traditional maize porridge, source of fiber and complex carbs
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 cup (medium) of Lutemitse (200 g) has 220 calories. That works out to 110 calories per 100 g. It contains 46 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 1.6 g of fat and 4.4 g of fiber. Its 0.1 mg of B1 covers 12% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 68 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 200 g
220
KCAL / 200G
Carbs
46g
· 17% DV
Protein
5g
· 10% DV
Fat
1.6g
· 2% DV
Fiber
4.4g
· 16% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 84% · Protein 9% · Fat 7%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.6 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.26 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 46 g | 17% |
| Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% |
| Protein | 5 g | 10% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 200 g | 220 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (small) | 30 g | 33 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 110 kcal |
| ½ cup (small) | 100 g | 110 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 150 g | 165 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 250 g | 275 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 300 g | 330 kcal |
| 1 bottle (jumbo) | 350 g | 385 kcal |
Calculated from 110 calories per 100 g.
Lutemitse is a traditional Botswana porridge made from maize. It is cooked until soft and thick, then served warm, either on its own or alongside other dishes.
Lutemitse has a mild, familiar maize flavor rather than a strongly sweet taste. Its relatively plain flavor makes it work well with savory stews, relishes, or other strongly seasoned foods.
Lutemitse is identified as a traditional Botswana maize porridge, while bogobe is a broader name for porridge in Botswana and can be made from different grains. The exact distinction may vary by local usage and recipe.
Lutemitse is made with maize meal, though the grind can vary between recipes. A finer meal tends to produce a smoother porridge, while a coarser meal may give it a more textured finish.
Whisk or stir the maize meal into the water gradually while cooking Lutemitse. Adding it all at once can form lumps; steady stirring as the porridge thickens helps create an even texture.
Yes, Lutemitse goes well with stews and relishes. Its mild maize base is useful for soaking up savory sauces, and the particular accompaniment depends on the meal and household tradition.
Lutemitse and South African pap are both maize-based porridges, so they can seem similar. They belong to different regional food traditions, and recipes, names, textures, and customary accompaniments may differ.
Yes, Lutemitse can be cooked to a thicker or softer consistency. Adjust the water as it cooks and stir thoroughly; the preferred texture varies between cooks and the foods served alongside it.
Refrigerate leftover Lutemitse in a covered container and use it within a few days. It firms as it cools, so stir in a little water while reheating it gently until soft again.
Lutemitse can be eaten for breakfast, but it is not limited to the morning. It can also accompany other meals, and when it is served depends on household custom and the meal.
Vitamins
B1
0.14mg · 12% DV
B3
1.8mg · 11% DV
B6
0.16mg · 9% DV
Biotin
2.4µg · 8% DV
Minerals
Copper
0.08mg · 9% DV
Phosphorus
50mg · 7% DV
Magnesium
20mg · 5% DV
Zinc
0.4mg · 4% DV
Potassium ⭐
60mg · 2% DV
Sodium
2mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 220 calories in 1 cup (medium) (200 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Lutemitse is a traditional Botswana maize porridge, made by cooking maize meal with water. Its consistency can range from soft and spoonable to quite thick, and its mild, slightly sweet corn flavour makes it an adaptable base for other foods.
In Botswana, it is served hot, either as a breakfast porridge or alongside a main meal, with accompaniments varying from household to household. English-speaking readers elsewhere can enjoy it much like other plain maize porridges: with milk for breakfast or beside a savoury stew. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates, with some fibre and relatively little protein. Add beans, yoghurt or another protein-rich accompaniment to make a more substantial meal.
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 2
Minimally Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0.26g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.42g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.46g
Omega 6:3 ratio 22:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (22:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.