Okay, folks, let’s dive into some super easy dinner recipes, South African style! I’ve been trying to simplify my weeknight meals, and these have been lifesavers.
The Prep Work (It’s Minimal, I Promise!)
First, I grabbed my recipe book – okay, it’s more like a messy collection of notes and printouts. I flipped through until I found a few that looked doable after a long day. The goal? Quick, tasty, and not too many dishes.
The Chicken Wonder
First up, I tried a simple roasted chicken recipe. I literally just took a whole chicken, slathered it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika (because, you know, South Africa!). I chucked some chopped potatoes and carrots around it in the roasting pan. Into the oven it went at 180°C. I set the timer for about an hour and 15 minutes, and honestly, that was it. I went for shower during it. The hardest part was waiting!
The One-Pan Pasta
Next, I experimented with a one-pan pasta. This was a game-changer. I tossed some pasta, chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic, and some crumbled feta into a large pan. I added some chicken broth (vegetable broth works too!), brought it to a boil, then simmered it until the pasta was cooked. It took about 20 minutes, and there was only ONE PAN to wash! Seriously, a win.
The “Braai” Without the Braai
Okay, so it’s not a real braai, but I wanted that smoky flavor. I marinated some chicken pieces in a mixture of chutney, soy sauce, and a little bit of chili. Then, instead of grilling them outside, I pan-fried them. They got nice and caramelized, and the flavor was pretty close to the real deal. I served it with a quick salad – just lettuce, tomato, and cucumber with a simple vinaigrette.
The “Bobotie” in Hurry
I also make Bobotie during my weekday! But it is not that complicated.
I grab some minced beef, and add some curry, turmeric and some other spices.
After I mix them well, I put it to oven. Before putting the food to oven, I will add a layer of egg on the top of it.
The Results
- Success! All three meals were surprisingly easy and delicious.
- Minimal cleanup! This is a huge plus for me.
- Happy family! Everyone enjoyed the food, and that’s the best reward.
So, there you have it – my super simple South African-inspired dinner experiments. Nothing fancy, just good, honest food that doesn’t take hours to make. Give them a try, and let me know what you think!
