• Saffron is a spice commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It’s known for its subtly sweet-herby aroma and slightly bitter taste. Often referred to as “red gold”, the spice is notoriously known to be the world’s most expensive spice. With prices ranging anywhere from R75 per gram, to R150 per gram, we can’t help but ask, why is saffron so expensive? READ MORE: Essential Spices For Your Kitchen Its uses trace back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used as a perfume. It was also used to scent baths, houses, and temples. Cleopatra famously used saffron in her baths to…

    Vegetarian lentil bobotie Swapping out mince for lentils creates this meat-free take on a popular South African classic. Comfort food at its best! SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 2 cups lentils, cooked 30 ml canola oil 1 onion, peeled & chopped 2 cloves garlic, peeled & finely chopped or crushed 20 g grated fresh ginger 100 g green beans, chopped ½ cup raisins 2 carrots, peeled and diced 1 red pepper, diced 1 can chopped tomatoes ½ cup water 30 ml mild curry spice 5 ml ground cinnamon 2 bay leaves 2 free-range eggs ¼ cup low fat yoghurt 2 ml ground turmeric Salt & pepper…

    Winter is just around the corner, and as the temperature drops, it’s time to cozy up and indulge in comforting meals. One dish that deserves a special place on your winter menu is soup. Not only is soup delicious and versatile, but it also offers numerous health benefits. So, grab a bowl and discover why you should eat more soup this winter. Firstly, soup is a fantastic way to warm yourself up on chilly days. The steam rising from a piping hot bowl of soup can instantly thaw your frozen fingers and provide a comforting feeling that spreads through your…

    In a resounding testament to South Africa’s gastronomic prowess, three outstanding restaurants from the country have secured spots on TripAdvisor’s prestigious ‘Best of the Best Restaurants in Africa’ list. This annual accolade is granted to establishments that have amassed a considerable number of exceptional reviews and ratings from the vibrant TripAdvisor community over a span of 12 months, successfully meeting the platform’s stringent trust and safety standards. At the summit of this esteemed ranking sits La Colombe, in the enchanting Constantia region. Garnering widespread acclaim, this fine dining establishment has claimed the coveted number one spot in Africa, captivating the…

    Nshima Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa that is home to over 70 ethnic groups. The Bemba people are the largest tribe in Zambia, and their cuisine is characterised by bold, spicy flavours and hearty meals. One of their signature dishes is Nshima, a thick porridge made from maize flour, which is typically enjoyed with a variety of stews. Chef Frank Samba shares his Nshima recipe below. INGREDIENTS 4 cups cornmeal (one cup per serving is sufficient) 2 teaspoons salt (to taste) 16 cups water (more as or if as needed) METHOD Pour cold water (two…