CATEGORIES

Mother Tongue

As Mother’s Day approaches, Lesego Semenya – a.k.a. Les Da Chef – remembers a dish he associates with his late mom, Gloria. Ting ya mabele is the kind of recipe that’s passed down by mothers to their children

Sunday's Best

Sparing her from beetroot stains before the traditional seven-colours lunch is Mogau Seshoene’s poignant example of the breadth of her father’s love

Braise Your Game

Turn to the lighter side when you need a comforting, one-pot stew that won’t weigh you down. Abigail Donnelly’s take on classic braises from Europe to Latin America and Japan will ease you into winter

Stock Of Ages

Since embarking on a plant-based food pilgrimage to the country of her birth, British Sierra-Leonean chef Betty Vandy has been reminded of her mother’s love with every bite

The Proof Is In The Pudding

When Seb gets a case of hiccups, Sam Woulidge and her husband deploy a plan that involves hugs, science … and a self-saucing lemon pudding

New Cookbook Tea Highs

Surprise your mom with a next-level treat straight out of Babylonstoren’s new book An Invitation to Tea. We’ve got first dibs on three of Maranda Engelbrecht’s decadent recipes, just in time for Mother’s Day

Easy Weeknight Suppers

Lamb sausage-and-lentil Bolognese, cauliflower soup with cheat’s Welsh rarebit, shredded chicken chilli over polenta and more easy weeknight suppers Hannah Lewry has lined up for autumn

Veggies Are At The Frontline Of Health

Eating healthily to keep healthy and maintain a good level of immunity is as much of a strategy in this time of Covid-19 as wearing masks, social distancing and sanitising.

Eggless Banana-And Pecan-Nut Loaf

This moreish loaf is quick and easy to make, and requires only a few ingredients, says Prenusha Moodley. If you don’t like pecans, you can replace them with walnuts or even hazelnuts.

Mother sauce

Chakalaka recipes are not in short supply, but Mogau Seshoene just happens to be the daughter of the woman whose version is the very best in the land. Now you know

Start fresh

The doyenne of easy, but always aesthetically pleasing plates, Donna Hay has a new book to help you start the year just right. Everyday Fresh is full of her trademark fast, unfussy recipes, from a no-stir risotto to a fruit tray bake that’s about to become your new favourite dessert

ROUTE CAUSE

The next time you head to Kruger, take a slow drive along Route 71. Melanie van Zyl did, and discovered culinary gems born of lockdown, craft whisky, Bao Mayo, hand-harvested salt and soulful fine dining

Pot luck

Cooking for friends is a privilege, so it should also be a pleasure, not a chore. And it needn’t wait untll after payday either if you use this low-key seasonal summer menu by Phillippa Cheifitz

Live large

Chicken livers are famously divisive, but they have a special place in SA cuisine. This is Lesego Semenya’s cross-cultural twist for when you want to live large, but still save a few bucks

Balancing act

If ever there was a time for new resolutions, the year after a pandemic and a personal crisis would be it, says Sam Woulidge. Cue yoga and a deliciously satisfying lentil salad

The Little 'Hood That Could

There’s a rare kind of magic to Cape Town’s Little Mowbray, a neighbourhood wedged between the frenzy of Main Road and the snoozy suburbia of Pinelands. Best thing about it? The solid line-up of eateries within strolling distance

Sunny Side Up

Breakfast goals? 1. Don’t skip it. 2. Mix it up. Humans cannot live on muesli alone, says Hannah Lewry. So how do cheesy flatbreads, easy veg fritters, smoky beans and eggs, ricotta frittata and choc-almond oats sound?

The Acid Test

Ever think vinegar could be good for more than just a vinaigrette? It’s time. Abigail Donnelly hit the condiment aisle and cooked everything from fried eggs and Momofuku-style firecracker pork, to old-fashioned vinegar pudding, poached nectarines and pickles

Dinner Plans

Stretch the holidays (and your bank balance) with these crafty ideas for weeknight suppers – from a 30-minute pork belly and Mediterranean-style steak salad, to Bovril-enriched meatballs and a simple pasta that can be served hot or cold

The Family Stew

For Mogau Seshoene, a.k.a. The Lazy Makoti, Christmas means oxtail stew. It is non-negotiable. What’s more, her own recipe (shared here) has been credited with marriage proposals. It’s that good

Stay Friendly, PE

The Port Elizabeth food scene is having a moment, says Khanya Mzongwana of her home town. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these gems should be on your holiday to-do list

Nigella Lawson's Recipes Are Guaranteed To Bring You Joy

The holidays may be different this year, but Nigella Lawson’s recipes in Cook, Eat, Repeat are guaranteed to bring you joy. Her rhubarb-and custard trifle could even become a new tradition

The Christmas Special

Christmas is a time for gratitude, not least for Sam Woulidge, who counts the chef-artiste (and now her TV co-host) Jacques Erasmus among her best friends

There Will Be Pie!

Growing up in Bloemfontein, Ming-Chau Lin associates Christmas with her dad having time off to cook. Now living in the US with her family, the holidays take on a whole new significance

From here to Timbuktu

She’s eaten many great meals at her family’s iconic Cape Town restaurant, The Africa Café, but Lumai de Smidt says the chicken she shared with them on a boat on the Niger River counts as the most memorable dinner of her life

Dragon Fruit: A Weapon To Fight Food Insecurity

With hunger and food insecurity a reality for thousands of South African households, any effort to reduce this problem should be welcomed. Retired business owner Frikkie Adams is convinced that dragon fruit is ideal for growing at home, as its high nutritional content can benefit families. He showed Lloyd Phillips his experiments at propagating the plant.

Post-Surf Meals

Does surfing have its equivalent of cycling‘s coffee culture? Or Wimbledon’s strawberries and cream? The bunny chow is a strong contender, says Andy Davis, recalling some of his favourite post-surf meals

Wine How We Drink Now

Did prohibition inspire you to rethink your approach to wine? We thought so, which is why we compiled these recommendations to suit your spring-time spirit of adventure

'Appy Hour Apéro Snap!

Have you had a day? Hit the reset button with an apéritif, says Jeanne Calitz, and you’ll be right back on track for a pleasant evening

Real Skills With Les Da Chef All-Over Amasi

Consumed in almost all sub-Saharan countries, Amasi’s characteristic tartness is great in everything from fried chicken batter to cakes. But chef Lesego Semenya reckons it’s true calling might just be in ice cream