south africa Recipes
99 delicious south africa recipes from around the world
Shisa Nyama (South African Township Braai)
Shisa Nyama, meaning 'burn the meat' in Zulu, is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant social tradition and a cornerstone of township gatherings. This recipe outlines the essentials for a classic braai (barbecue) featuring a variety of grilled meats, served with traditional accompaniments like pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).
Skilpadjies (Lamb Liver Wrapped in Caul Fat)
A traditional South African braai (barbecue) delicacy, skilpadjies are small parcels of lamb liver, seasoned and wrapped in caul fat, then grilled over coals until the fat is rendered and crispy, and the liver is tender and cooked through. The name translates to 'little tortoises' due to their appearance when cooked.
Slap Chips (South African Soft Fries)
A beloved South African street food, 'slap chips' are thick-cut potatoes fried until tender and soft, then generously seasoned with salt and doused in vinegar. They are intentionally not crispy, offering a unique, yielding texture.
Snoek Braai (South African Grilled Snoek)
A classic South African braai (barbecue) dish featuring snoek, a firm white fish, grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet apricot and butter sauce. This recipe is a beloved Cape tradition.
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).
Souskluitjies (Cinnamon Dumplings in Sweet Sauce)
A comforting and traditional South African dessert featuring soft, fluffy cinnamon-spiced dumplings gently poached in a sweet, syrupy sauce.
South African Braai (Barbecue)
A quintessential South African social gathering centered around grilling various meats over a wood fire. This includes traditional boerewors, succulent lamb chops, marinated chicken, and flavorful sosaties (kebabs). It's more than a meal; it's a cherished cultural experience.
South African Braaied Lamb Chops
Tender and flavorful lamb chops, expertly grilled over hot coals, a quintessential element of any South African braai (barbecue).
South African Curried Tripe
A rich and comforting South African curried tripe, deeply influenced by Indian flavors. This slow-cooked dish features tender tripe simmered with aromatic spices, potatoes, and tomatoes.
South African Lamb Shank Potjie
Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in a traditional potjie with aromatic vegetables and rich red wine. A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a gathering.
South African Samoosas
Deliciously spiced ground beef encased in crisp, golden pastry, these South African samosas are a beloved snack perfect for any gathering.
Springbok Carpaccio with Capers and Parmesan
A delicate and elegant South African appetizer featuring thinly sliced raw springbok loin, enhanced with the briny pop of capers, the salty bite of Parmesan cheese, and a peppery flourish of rocket. This dish is best prepared with high-quality, fresh game meat.
Steak Gatsby
A hearty and flavourful steak-filled super sandwich, a beloved Cape Town street food classic.
Stywe Pap (Stiff Maize Porridge)
Stywe pap is a dense, firm maize porridge, a traditional South African staple. Its stiff texture makes it perfect for scooping up flavorful stews and gravies.
Tameletjie (South African Toffee)
A classic South African sweet treat, Tameletjie is a sticky, crunchy toffee made from sugar, butter, vinegar, and golden syrup. It's often referred to as 'farm candy' and is a beloved traditional confection.
Ting (Fermented Sorghum Porridge)
A traditional South African breakfast porridge made from fermented sorghum. It has a distinct sour flavor from the fermentation process, balanced with sweetness. Can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Tipsy Tart
A rich and boozy date tart, soaked in a warm brandy syrup, resulting in a wonderfully moist and decadent adult dessert.
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.
Umleqwa (Zulu Free-Range Chicken Stew)
A hearty and traditional Zulu-style stew featuring tender, free-range chicken simmered with root vegetables in a rich broth. This comforting dish is a staple of South African cuisine.
Umngqusho (Xhosa Samp and Beans)
A hearty and traditional Xhosa dish of samp (crushed maize kernels) and beans, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices. This comforting meal is a staple in South African cuisine.
Umqombothi
Umqombothi is a traditional South African beer made from maize meal and sorghum malt. It is a low-alcohol, slightly sour, and nutritious beverage often enjoyed during ceremonies and celebrations.
Uphuthu (Crumbly Maize Meal)
Uphuthu is a traditional South African dish, often referred to as Zulu-style pap. It's characterized by its distinct crumbly texture, achieved by cooking maize meal until it separates into small, dry granules. It is traditionally served with amasi (fermented milk) for a tangy contrast.
Vetkoek (South African Fried Dough)
Vetkoek, meaning 'fat cake' in Afrikaans, are delicious deep-fried yeast dough balls. They are a popular South African street food, often served warm and filled with savory curried mince or sweet jam and syrup.
Vetkoek with Curried Mince
Warm, fluffy vetkoek (fried dough cakes) generously filled with a fragrant, spiced curried mince. A beloved South African comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal or street food snack.