World Flavors Cookbook

South Africa Recipes

South African cuisine is a "Rainbow Cuisine" reflecting its multicultural history. From the indigenous Khoisan traditions to the Dutch, French, Indian, and Malay influences, it is famous for its braai (barbecue), biltong (dried meat), and spiced stews.

Recipes from South Africa

• Bobotie

  Cape Malay curried mince bake with a rich custard topping; often called South Africa's national dish.

• Boerewors

  A traditional, spiced South African sausage; a non-negotiable essential for any "braai" (barbecue).

• Bunny Chow

  A hollowed-out quarter loaf of white bread filled with a rich, spicy curry; a Durban street food icon.

• Braai Snoek with Apricot Glaze

  Grilled snoek fish basted with a sweet and savory apricot-garlic butter; a Cape coastal classic.

• Chakalaka

  A spicy vegetable relish that is the ultimate accompaniment to pap, braai meat, and bread.

• Pap (Maize Porridge)

  The foundation of the South African diet; a versatile maize meal porridge that can be served soft, stiff, or crumbly.

• Biltong

  Dried, cured meat seasoned with vinegar, coriander, and black pepper; South Africa's favorite snack.

• Malva Pudding

  A sweet, sticky sponge pudding with apricot jam and a rich cream sauce poured over it while hot.

• Lamb Potjiekos

  A slow-cooked layered stew prepared in a traditional three-legged cast iron pot over an open fire.

• Sosaties (Lamb Skewers)

  Succulent lamb and dried apricot skewers marinated in a sweet and sour curry sauce.

• Vetkoek (Fried Dough)

  A deep-fried yeast dough bun, traditionally filled with savory curry mince or served sweet with syrup and cheese.

• Melktert (Milk Tart)

  A delicate, creamy milk-based custard tart in a sweet crust, dusted generously with cinnamon.

• Gatsby Sandwich

  A massive, over-filled sub sandwich from Cape Town designed to be shared by four people.

• Slap Chips

  South African-style thick-cut fries, soft and "limp" (slap), heavily seasoned with salt and vinegar.

• Droëwors (Dried Sausage)

  Air-dried version of boerewors; a thin, spiced beef sausage snack.

• Koeksisters

  Golden, braided donuts deep-fried and plunged into ice-cold syrup for a crispy, syrupy explosion.

• Denningvleis

  An ancient Cape Malay lamb stew characterized by its distinct tamarind and clove flavors.

• Waterblommetjiebredie

  A unique seasonal stew made with "water flowers" (Cape Pondweed) and lamb.

• Tomato Bredie

  A slow-cooked mutton and tomato stew with a rich, thick, and slightly sweet gravy.

• Braaibroodjies

  Traditional grilled cheese sandwiches toasted over open coals at the end of a braai.

• Peppermint Crisp Tart

  A beloved no-bake refrigerator tart made with caramel, cream, and iconic Peppermint Crisp chocolate.

• Roosterkoek

  Dough balls grilled over hot coals until they have a crispy exterior and a soft, steaming interior.

• Pampoenkoekies (Pumpkin Fritters)

  Light and fluffy pumpkin fritters served with a sweet cinnamon-sugar syrup.

• Geelrys (Yellow Rice)

  Fragrant yellow rice with turmeric, cinnamon, and raisins; the standard side for Bobotie.

• Cape Malay Chicken Curry

  A mild, fragrant chicken curry with a delicate balance of sweet and savory spices.

• South African Samoosas

  Small, triangular deep-fried pastries filled with spicy meat or vegetables.

• Skilpadjies (Liver in Caul Fat)

  Lamb liver wrapped in a layer of net fat (caul fat) and grilled on the braai until the fat is crispy.

• Amarula Don Pedro

  A decadent "adult" milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, cream, and Amarula liqueur.

• Savoury Yellow Rice

  The aromatic companion to Bobotie, made with turmeric and cinnamon.

• Sheba (Tomato and Onion Gravy)

  The standard savory sauce for pap and braai meat.

• Biltong and Avocado Salad

  A modern South African salad using the country's two favorite ingredients.

• Pan-Fried Snoek

  Quick and easy pan-fried snoek fillets with lemon and butter.

• Bobotie Muffins

  Bite-sized bobotie baked in muffin tins for a portable party snack.

• Masala Steak Gatsby

  The classic Cape sub filled with masala-spiced steak and slap chips.

• Phyllo Milk Tart

  A modern twist on milk tart using crispy phyllo pastry layers.

• Smoked Snoek Pâté

  A creamy, smoky fish spread made with flaked snoek and fresh herbs.