There’s something about winter - yeah probably the cold - that makes you want to eat and eat some more. Now, knowing you, you feel guilty because apparently “summer bodies are made in winter” (Erm, I know nothing about that because summer gets whatever body I have when it arrives).
Look, I know you probably don’t want to hear this but you love the food and the truth is they love you too… I mean, why else would they keep you warm, remind you of your grandmother’s love and leave you feeling cosy and warm in this crazy cold world?
Anywho, the list of food items you are about to see here and learn how to do will be frequent guests on your menu because they are awesome, so you are welcome!
The Superstar Of Winter Is Amagwinya
There’s something about fried dough, especially when it’s hot and steamy in the morning. It slaps even harder if you have some atchaar, polony, cheese or a thing they call white liver! If you complete the meal with hot tea or coffee, you’ll have a better day at the office because 1. You won’t be feeling cold anymore and 2. Fully satisfied folks make for happier meetings - both in the boardroom with a weird name or on Zoom!
Here’s a winning recipe of amagwinya by Siba Mtongana
325 ml (1 ½ cups) lukewarm full cream milk (or warm water / other milk)
Method:
Start by making the dough. Place all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well, then proceed to making a well in the centre. Add the egg, oil and milk and stir using a spoon until the mixture is well combined. Lightly flour the surface and knead the dough for 10 minutes until it's soft and elastic and pliable substituting the extra flour with extra oil in between to maintain a soft and pliable dough. Place on a clean oiled dish, cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm place for 45 minutes to an hour until it's doubled in size.
Now cook amagwinya: fill the oil in a deep pan until halfway, knock down the dough and roll into a log. Cut into equal pieces and make them into a round shape as seen in the video. Allow rise for a few minutes while the oil heats up to the correct temperature. Fry for 6-8 minutes until golden in colour, crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Remove using a slotted spoon and place on a flat dish lined with kitchen paper and allow it to cool slightly.
A Cold Day Loses Its Power As Soon As Umqusho Hits The Pot!
Nothing says, “home” and “grandma’s hugs” and makes you nostalgic than eating samp, with beans mnatse, nothing! If you’ve ever had this, I know you don’t need me to say anything more *you are salivating at the thought of eating this heavenly meal* but if you haven’t, all I’m gonna say is you’ve been missing out!
Here’s an amazing Umqusho recipe by the Lazy Makoti aka Mogau Seshoene
Place samp and beans in a large pot and cover with cold water. Allow to boil for 1,5 hours
In another pot, add oil and sauté the bones. Cook for about 10 minutes to brown. Add the onion, garlic and spices and sauté for a few minutes
Add the cooked samp, tomatoes, potatoes and stock cubes and allow to simmer for another hour. Add bay leaf and thyme 30 minutes into that hour
You Know We Have To Have Some Soup!
Yes your read right, soup! Nothing says I’m here to give you warmth and healing like soup. Every time it gets cold or you catch a cold, soup is your go-to for healing and warmth. Not only is it delicious but it is easy to eat and often comes packing the right vitamins. Talk about a starring!
Now there are millions of soup recipes available but nothing says comfort like this creamy tomato soup!
Preheat oven to 400° degrees. Add olive oil and veggies to an oven-safe pot/dish (I used a Dutch oven) and season with salt, pepper, balsamic glaze and sugar. Roast veggies for 20-25 minutes.
Remove pot from oven and add in cream and stock. Add to oven for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and use an immersion blender or regular blender or food processor and purée until smooth. Add to oven for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and top with Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
Serve into a bowl and add 1 tsp of cream, Parmesan cheese and black pepper to each individual bowl. Serve and enjoy!
We have just included a few recipes that you could try, but there certainly are more dishes that you can prepare to keep you warm during the winter, like, Bobotie, Potjiekos and bunny chow. For the times you just want to relax and sip on some hot coffee or rooibos tea while watching a show or reading a book, you could pair it with some Koeksister. That way, the cold will have nothing on you.
