South Africa is not only home to some stunning landscapes and a huge variety of wildlife but also some really delicious and unique dishes. I have rounded up my 10 favourite tasty traditional South African dishes, with some links to recipes, so you can try these local delicacies no matter where you are.
1.Koeksisters
Starting off with something for those of you with a sweet tooth. There’s no sweeter treat than a good old fashioned koeksister. These twisty, fried pastry treats are popular throughout the country. I love serving them at a dinner party, placed in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves… there’s yet to be any left only! Scrumptious and entirely sweet, Koeksisters are made by frying plaited dough strips in oil and then soaking the hot fried dough into ice cold sugar syrup. Try out this recipe from www.thekatetin.com to make perfect koeksisters at home: Koeksister recipe.
2.Frikkadels
Frikkadels are traditional Afrikaans meatballs, but to truly be a frikkadel these meatballs need to be baked rather than fried. A good South African frikkadel should be made with ground meat, onion, bread, eggs, vinegar and spiced with nutmeg and clove. www.All4women.co.za has a fab frikkadel recipe here: Traditional frikkadel recipe.
3.Rooster broods
These delicious breads are a firm favourite and can be found at braais all across the country. Rooster broods are traditionally cooked over an open fire and are particularly great because they can be either savoury or sweet. Fill them up with your favourite brand of boerewors for a killer “boerie roll” or slather them with butter and apricot jam for an easy breezy dessert. Try out this version from www.thesouthafrican.com at your next outdoor party: Rooster brood recipe.
4.Chakalaka
Chakalaka is the South African relish of choice. Simple but with some serious flavour, this relish works well with just about anything. Chakalaka is usually made of onions, tomatoes and beans, and spiced with ginger, paprika, curry powder, and green pepper although mostly everyone has their own unique take and a good chakalaka recipe can become a closely guarded family secret. Want to make your own chakalaka? www.africanbites,.com has got you covered. Try out their recipe here: Chakalaka recipe.
5.Samp and Beans
This traditional South African dish goes by “isitambu” in isiZulu, while the Xhosa people call it “umngqusho”, but whatever you call it, samp and beans is a yummy, spicy, South African staple. The strong curried flavour makes it a perfect side dish to any rice dish and even though it takes some prep time the results are well worth the wait. Make it at home with the brilliant recipe from www.africanfoodmap.com. Yum! Samp and beans recipe.
6.Bunny Chow
No, not that kind of bunny! Originally from Durban, bunny chow is a famous South African dish originating from Indian immigrants. This local favourite consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread that is filled with a selection of different curries and beans.The bread and curry make a perfect combo while the bread serves as the bowl for the curry and helps to mop up all the yummy sauce afterwards. Visit www.cooksister.com for a delectable bunny chow recipe here: Bunny chow recipe.
7.Bobotie
This is one of my favourite traditional South African dishes! Bobotie is a golden brown baked, curried meat topped with eggs and milk. This delish dish is packed with complex flavors and textures that are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Locally, bobotie is enjoyed with yellow rice, sambals on the side and chutney (Growing up it was always Mrs Ball’s). www.thespruceeats.com has a fantastic take on this lekker local dish right here: Beef bobotie recipe.
8.Melktert
Mmmm… marvelous melktert! Delectably smooth, sweet and tasty this sweet South African dessert is as South African as it gets. Milk tart is made by filling a sweet pastry crust with a creamy filling made from milk, flour, sugar and eggs. The finishing touch to make a proper milk tart is to dust it with a dash of cinnamon once baked. Serve with a cup of tea and enjoy! Get this amazing recipe from www.cookingupastorm.co.za so yum! Baked milk tart recipe.
9.Bredie
Bredie is the old Cape name for a dish of meat and vegetables stewed together so that the flavours intermingle in a rich, thick and full-bodied tomato sauce. Traditionally made with lamb and waterblommetjies or beef and tomato, bredie is the ultimate South African slow-cooked comfort food. Make a tomato bredie at home tonight with this recipe from www.rainbownation.com right here: Tomato bredie recipe.
10.Pap en sous
Pap en sous is a truly traditional South African meal. Made from coarse ground maize cooked with water, pap is a staple for many South Africans. When served alongside a warm sauce made from tomatoes, onions and spices and you have the ultimate SA dish as easy as one, two, three. Look no further than www.melissamayo.com for a recipe that will leave you wanting more. Pap and gravy recipe
What’s your best ever local dish? If you aren’t from SA, I’d love to hear more about what your favourites are from your own country. Let me know in the comments.
