10+ South African Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

South African cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, traditions, and cultures. Unique ingredients and cooking methods come together to create dishes that reflect the country’s rich history. Whether you are exploring traditional recipes or modern twists, South African food offers something for everyone.

From savory meat dishes to delightful desserts, each recipe tells a story. You can enjoy the experience of cooking and sharing these meals with family and friends, bringing a taste of South Africa to your table.

1) Bobotie

Bobotie is a classic South African dish that combines flavors of curry with a unique twist. This casserole features spiced ground beef or lamb at the base, topped with a creamy egg custard.

The dish is traditionally served with yellow rice and chutney, making for a delightful meal. You will enjoy the mix of savory meat and sweet fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 kg minced beef or lamb
• 1 thick slice of crust-less bread
• 375 ml milk
• 25 ml oil
• 2 sliced onions
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam
• 1 tablespoon chutney
• 2 eggs
• Bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Soak the bread in milk.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until soft.
4. Add minced meat and curry powder, cooking until browned.
5. Mix in the soaked bread, apricot jam, and chutney, stirring well.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and press down.
7. Beat eggs with remaining milk and pour over the meat mixture.
8. Place bay leaves on top and bake for 30-40 minutes until set.

2) Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a vibrant South African dish. It’s a spicy vegetable relish that adds flavor to many meals. You can enjoy it with bread, meat, or stews.

To make chakalaka, you’ll need fresh veggies like onions, tomatoes, and peppers. The mix of spices gives it a tasty kick. It’s perfect for gatherings or a simple family dinner.

Ingredients

• 50 ml canola oil
• 200 g onions, chopped
• 500 g tomatoes, chopped
• 30 g fresh ginger, chopped
• 30 g fresh garlic, chopped
• 20 g chili peppers, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the canola oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the onions and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

3) Bunny Chow

Bunny chow is a popular South African street food that features a flavorful curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. You can find it filled with various ingredients, like meat, chickpeas, and potatoes. It’s a hearty and comforting meal.

To make bunny chow, start by choosing a thick white bread. The bread shell soaks up the delicious curry, adding to the taste. You can customize it with chicken, lamb, or a vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of white bread (unsliced)
• 2 cups of curry (chicken or vegetable)
• 1 cup of chickpeas
• 1 cup of diced potatoes
• Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Hollow out the loaf of bread, leaving a thick edge.
2. Prepare your curry of choice on the stove.
3. Fill the hollowed bread with the hot curry.
4. Top with chickpeas and diced potatoes, then garnish.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

4) Cape Malay Curry

Cape Malay Curry is a flavorful dish from South Africa. It blends sweet and savory tastes using a mix of spices, garlic, and onions. This dish is often made with chicken or lamb and is served with rice or flatbreads.

You will enjoy the warm spices like coriander, cumin, and turmeric that give it a unique flavor. The use of tomatoes can add a fresh taste without the creaminess of coconut milk. This makes the dish tangy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or boneless lamb
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 4 onions, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add spices and cook for another minute.
5. Add chicken or lamb and brown on all sides.
6. Mix in tomatoes and water.
7. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until meat is tender.
8. Serve hot with rice or flatbreads.

5) Melktert (Milk Tart)

Melktert, or milk tart, is a classic South African dessert. It features a creamy filling made from milk and eggs in a sweet pastry crust. This delicious dish is often sprinkled with cinnamon on top.

Making melktert is straightforward and rewarding. You will enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting texture. It’s a popular choice for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cinnamon for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt for the crust.
3. Add melted butter and combine well.
4. Press the mixture into a tart pan.
5. Bake the crust for 10-15 minutes until golden.
6. Heat 3 cups of milk in a saucepan.
7. In a separate bowl, mix egg, sugar, cornstarch, and extracts.
8. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture.
9. Cook on low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
10. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and chill.
11. Dust with cinnamon before serving. Enjoy!

6) Boerewors

Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage that is beloved for its rich flavor. It is made from a mixture of beef and pork, along with spices like coriander and clove. You can enjoy it grilled or fried, usually served with pap or rice.

To make boerewors, you will need some key ingredients. The sausage is seasoned perfectly to balance the meat’s richness. You can find recipes that guide you step by step.

Ingredients

• 2 kg beef
• 1 kg fatty pork
• 45 ml coriander seeds
• 5 ml whole cloves
• 30 ml salt
• 15 ml fresh onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Grind the beef and pork together.
2. Toast coriander seeds and cloves, then grind them.
3. Mix the ground meat with salt and spices.
4. Stuff the mixture into sausage casings.
5. Grill or fry the sausages until cooked through (about 160°F or 70°C).

7) Durban Chicken Curry

Durban Chicken Curry is a flavorful dish that reflects South African Indian cuisine. It combines rich spices and tender chicken, making it a favorite in many households. The dish is known for its warm, inviting aroma and vibrant colors.

To make this curry, you will need ingredients like chicken, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices. The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference, ranging from mild to spicy.

This dish is often served with steamed rice or roti, soaking up all the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add curry powder and mix well.
5. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and stir.
7. Add salt and simmer for 30 minutes.
8. Serve hot with rice or roti.

8) Mealie Pap

Mealie Pap is a traditional South African dish made from maize meal. It is a type of porridge that can be served as a side dish or even as a breakfast meal. There are different types of mealie pap, including the creamy version and a firmer style known as stywe pap.

To make it, you need just a few ingredients: maize meal and water. The texture can vary based on how much water you use. It pairs well with stews, meats, and sauces.

Mealie Pap can also be flavored with spices or served with various toppings like tomato gravy or your favorite vegetables. It’s delicious and filling, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup maize meal
• 2 to 3 cups water (adjust for thickness)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil 2 to 3 cups of water in a pot.
2. Gradually add 1 cup of maize meal while stirring.
3. Cook over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.

9) Frikkadels

Frikkadels are traditional South African meatballs that are both flavorful and comforting. You can enjoy them with gravy or sauce, making them perfect for any meal.

To make frikkadels, you need a few simple ingredients. These meatballs typically include minced beef, bread, milk, eggs, onions, and spices. They are baked to perfection for a tender result.

Ingredients

• 500g beef mince
• 1 thick slice of bread
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 extra-large egg
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp mixed herbs
• 1 tsp ground coriander or nutmeg

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Soak the bread in milk until soft.
3. In a bowl, combine the beef, soaked bread, egg, onion, and spices.
4. Form the mixture into small balls.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes.

10) Tamatie Bredie

Tamatie Bredie, also known as tomato bredie, is a classic South African dish. It features tender lamb cooked slowly in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This hearty stew is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

To make this dish, you’ll need lamb, tomatoes, and various spices. The flavors blend beautifully as it simmers, making it very comforting.

Traditionally, it’s served with rice or bread.

You’ll love how the savory taste pairs well with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Enjoy every bite of this warm and inviting meal.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs (about 1.8 kg) lamb, in chunks
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 8 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup flour for dusting
• Bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Dust the lamb chunks with flour.

2. Brown the lamb in a large pot over medium heat.

3. Add sliced onions and cook until soft.

4. Stir in chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar.

5. Add bay leaves and cover the pot.

6. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

7. Serve hot with rice or bread.