cape malay Recipes
16 delicious cape malay recipes from around the world
Akni (Durban Biryani)
A fragrant and flavorful Durban-style biryani, deeply rooted in Cape Malay culinary traditions. This dish features tender, marinated lamb layered with aromatic, perfectly cooked basmati rice, slow-cooked to perfection.
Bobotie
South Africa's beloved national dish: a fragrant, curried mince filling enriched with chutney and sultanas, crowned with a savory egg custard and baked to a beautiful golden hue.
Bobotie Meatballs
Delicious Cape Malay spiced meatballs simmered in a rich curry sauce, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Bobotie Pies
Delicious individual bobotie pies, featuring a flavorful spiced mince filling encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light meal.
Breyani
A fragrant and flavorful Cape Malay Breyani, featuring tender meat layered with aromatic basmati rice and lentils, slow-cooked to perfection.
Cape Malay Curried Mince
A fragrant and flavorful spiced ground beef, a versatile base inspired by Cape Malay cuisine, perfect for filling vetkoek, pies, or serving as a delicious topping.
Cape Malay Lamb Curry
Aromatic and fragrant, this mild Cape Malay lamb curry is a comforting classic. Slow-cooked lamb becomes incredibly tender, infused with a symphony of spices and the unique aroma of curry leaves.
Cape Malay Yellow Rice with Raisins
A fragrant and subtly sweet Cape Malay yellow rice, infused with turmeric and cinnamon, studded with plump raisins. It's a classic accompaniment to dishes like bobotie.
Cape Pickled Fish
A traditional South African Easter dish featuring pieces of fried fish preserved in a sweet and sour curry-infused pickle. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Denningvleis (Cape Malay Sweet-Sour Lamb)
A classic Cape Malay dish featuring tender lamb shoulder braised in a rich, sweet-sour sauce infused with tamarind, caramelized onions, and aromatic spices. This slow-cooked stew is known for its complex flavor profile and is often even better the next day.
Gesmoorde Vis (Smothered Fish - Cape Malay Style)
A comforting and flavorful Cape Malay-inspired dish where firm fish is gently simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy, served with tender potatoes. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor for a truly satisfying meal.
Koeksisters (Cape Malay Style)
Authentic Cape Malay koeksisters, characterized by their spiced dough, a fragrant syrup, and a final coating of desiccated coconut. Unlike the braided Afrikaner version, these are typically shaped into ovals or other simple forms.
Sambal
A vibrant and fresh Cape Malay condiment, this sambal is a quick relish of finely diced tomatoes, onion, and chili, brightened with lemon juice. It's a classic accompaniment to rich stews and savory dishes.
Sosaties (South African Lamb Kebabs)
Authentic Cape Malay sosaties are tender lamb kebabs marinated in a fragrant, sweet and savory curry sauce, then grilled to perfection. Traditionally made with lamb, they are skewered with dried apricots and sometimes onions, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a braai (barbecue).
Tomato Bredie
A comforting and deeply flavorful Cape Malay slow-cooked stew featuring tender lamb and a rich tomato base. This dish is a classic example of South African comfort food.
Waterblommetjie Bredie
A unique and traditional Cape Malay stew featuring indigenous water lily flowers (waterblommetjies) and tender lamb, offering a subtly tart and earthy flavor profile.