South Africa is experiencing a harsh winter caused by a powerful low-pressure system that has covered the entire country. The South African Weather Service has warned of frost, snow that may disrupt operations, and heavy coastal rainfall, with icy mornings expected in several regions until weather conditions improve later in the week.
Cozy food for the cold season
When the weather gets cold, it is recommended to cook hot dishes that fill the house with pleasant aromas and warm you from the inside. There are many options that are perfect for low temperatures.
Variety of winter dishes
One of the favorite dishes, often served with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, is oxtail, which is popular for Sunday lunches, family celebrations, and special occasions.
Inyama yenkomo with amadombolo is a slow-cooked beef stew that becomes tender after several hours on the stove, absorbing rich sauce along with carrots and potatoes. These soft steamed buns are perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
Umngqusho, a favorite dish of the Eastern Cape, is a mixture of beans and samp cooked until creamy consistency. It is a simple, filling, and affordable dish that keeps you full for hours, and it can be served on its own or with fried meat or chicken.
Cape Malay tomato bredie is a dish that is perfect for winter. Lamb or mutton is slowly stewed with tomatoes until a thick sauce forms. Thanks to spices such as curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this dish is hearty, budget-friendly, and easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for a weekday dinner.
For a quicker preparation, Durban mince and potato curry is suitable. This Durban-style mince curry cooks quickly and fills the kitchen with the smell of spices. It can be served with fluffy rice or used as a filling for fresh bunny chow.
Soups and other warm snacks
A soup is always welcome on a frosty day. You can make a smooth cauliflower soup, adding sliced biltong and serving it with cheese toast. It turns out creamy, savory, and is perfect for both lunch and dinner.
If you have time, you can prepare an Oxtail pot, allowing it to simmer all day long. Slow cooking transforms the meat until it easily falls off the bone. It is served with rice, pap, or creamy polenta.
Another option is Spicy chicken livers with samp. Chicken livers cooked with garlic, mushrooms, and chili give the dish a spicy kick. They can be paired with creamy samp for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
Umfino is a traditional Eastern Cape dish that combines pap with cabbage, spinach, potatoes, and garlic. It is healthy, inexpensive, and excellent for feeding the family on cool evenings.
Desserts to finish the meal
After the main course, you can enjoy a warm dessert. A classic South African favorite is malva pudding topped with hot custard or cream, as well as chocolate pudding, which you can make yourself to stay home longer.