When in Rome

Okay, I'm not in Rome, but I wish I was. I am in deepest darkest Africa. Actually it's not that deep and certainly not as dark as people think. I guess there are still people who wonder if we have lions roaming the streets. I had a person from Holland ask me if we have designer clothing here. I had to smile, knowing just how cosmopolitan this city really is. I could have been smart and said, "No, but you can buy a cheap loincloth from the village elder's wife!".

We do however have a rich food culture, and I love to make modern twists to local favorites.

Last night we had samp mealies. I have no idea what it is called overseas. It is whole dried white corn, which is cooked for about 2 hours until soft.

The topping I made was my vegetarian meal with a wonderful twist at the end which made the whole meal something special.

Lentil Stew

250ml Black Lentils
500ml Water
1 Carrot chopped in small dice
1 Onion finely sliced
1 Chilli finely chopped
2 cloves of Garlic crushed

Boil this together until the lentils are soft, but not mushy.

Then add
30ml dry Nomu Tomato and Herb pesto
Salt and Lemon Pepper

Cook until the liquid has reduced.

Just before serving add
30ml Chopped Parsley
45ml Lemon infused Olive Oil

Serve hot with your samp mealies or rice .


On June the 16th we are celebrating Youth Day or Soweto Day, so I'll be away for the weekend, hiking in the Cedarberg mountains or reading in front of the fireplace!