Magwinya, also known as vetkoek, has a long history in South Africa and is a popular dish among many South Africans. Over time, magwinya became a staple food for many people in South Africa, particularly those in townships and rural areas. It was a cheap and easy food to make, and could be filled with various fillings, making it a versatile meal. Today, magwinya can be found in many roadside stalls sold by the most amazing ladies, doing the best they can to gain traction to their small business.

Magwinyas are so tasty because of its crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The dough is made with flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, which is then fried in hot oil until it is cooked through and crispy on the outside. The dough is also versatile, allowing for a variety of fillings, from savoury options such as curried mince or cheese and bacon, to sweet fillings like jam or chocolate spread. The combination of the crispy exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and flavourful fillings make magwinya a delicious and satisfying meal or snack for many South Africans.

Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (10g) instant dry yeast
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Slowly add the lukewarm water and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Leave it to rise for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a tennis ball.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot. Once the oil is hot, gently place the dough balls into the oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. Remove the magwinya from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
7. Serve the magwinya hot, filled with your favorited filling, such as minced meat, cheese, or jam.

Enjoy your homemade South African Magwinya!!

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I recently found what I would like to think is the best oat pancakes recipe. What I enjoy the most about this recipe is how easy it is to follow and how delicious the pancakes come out to be. These pancakes are also super healthy and versatile, and I would like to share this recipe with you.

You will need the following ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats;
1 cup milk, regular or non-dairy;
2 large eggs;
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for cooking;
1 tablespoon sugar;
2/3 cup flour;
2 teaspoons baking powder;
1/4 teaspoon salt;
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional);
or
2 teaspoons of cocoa powder (optional).

Firstly, you would need to whisk 1 cup of rolled oats and 1 cup of milk together in a large bowl. Let that stand for about 10 minutes for the oats to soften. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and set it aside to cool.

After that, add the butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the oats, and whisk to combine. Add 2/3 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, if you wish. Then whisk until just combined. Please do not overmix. Try to let the batter stand for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat your non-stick pan over medium-high heat.

After that, add 1 teaspoon butter to the pan and swirl to coat. Drop the batter into the pan in 2-tablespoon portions, cooking 3 at a time. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface, the edges look dry, and the bottoms are golden-brown for about 3 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook until the other side is golden-brown, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Finally, transfer the pancakes to a warm oven or plate. Repeat cooking the remaining batter, using 1 teaspoon of butter for each batch.

Serve with some fruits (preferably berries) and add a drizzle of maple syrup, jam, or honey.

And there you have it, the perfect oat pancakes, enjoy!

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As the Northern hemisphere plunges deeper into summer. I am more inspired than ever to eat all the yummy produce that comes with warmer weather. As an advocate for seasonal eating. I must say that even though I would love to eat seasonally all year round. I do find the winter months to be particularly hard to follow the seasonal eating rules. In part because of the options available during colder months which do little for my particular pallet. None the less, I do make it a point to try as best as I can to eat seasonally when possible.

What is seasonal eating and what are its benefits?

So what is seasonal eating and why is it important? Simply put, seasonal eating is eating fruit and vegetables that naturally grow in a particular season. This idea is based off of the thought that this type of eating was how our ancestors ate. But also because science has proven time and time again that each season produces produce with the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. A few examples of this are oranges and other citrus fruits which ripen around winter time and help provide us with natural vitamin C that our bodies need to fight off colds and flu’s during colder months. Another example is watermelons. As watermelons have a high water content, this particular fruit is useful during the summer months when we sweat more and need more hydration.

And luckily for me, since moving to France it has become a lot easier to eat seasonally. This is due in part because of the availability of food markets where farmers come and sell their produce. This produce is often organic and grown in accordance to the best seasons for that particular fruit or vegetable. And while the winter months can be a bit sad for a berry lover like myself. Summer is filled with so many of my favorite fruits and vegetables like strawberries, raspberries, peas and tomatoes to count a few.

Other benefits of seasonal eating

Whilst it may seem impossible, seasonal eating can save you lots of money. This is because not as much extra effort has been put into either shipping or growing food in a different climate to what they need. So if you are looking to make the switch and eat more seasonally. I would suggest starting by searching online for what fruits and vegetables grow in what months in your country. From there it is up to you how much you are willing to adhere to seasonal eating. And if you do find yourself in need of berries during colder months; turn to the frozen food section for some. As more often than not frozen berries are prepared when that particular fruit or veg is in season and readily available. Or better yet freeze or pickle some for yourself.

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I remember when I was breastfeeding how hungry I would get. Somehow, even after a full meal, I would feel like I hadn’t eaten a thing. And whilst some of my friends to go ahead and eat double. When I did, I ended up feeling bloated and low energy (which is not fun with a new born needing constant attention). That is when I turned my attention to a fuel packed dessert and treat to have as a top up to my meals. Something was tasty enough so that I wouldn’t mind eating it everyday. But also something filling. Personally I am not a fan of chia seed pudding. But chia seeds in a smoothie was perfect for me. And since I had already started having a smoothie a day. I wanted something else that was tasty and nutritious that I could incorporate fibre, and nutrient rich chia seeds.

Thats when my husband came up with this all in yoghurt dessert. Whilst the ingredients can be changed to your liking. The principle pretty much stays the same. And the great thing is that it can be eaten both as a dessert, for breakfast or any other meal. I like to make mine pack a nutritional punch by adding chia seeds and goji berries. Superfoods that help keep me fuller for longer, but also taste great.

What you will need

1 cup of yoghurt

1/2 cup of berries and fruits of your choice

1 teaspoon of agave syrup or honey

1 spoonful of chia seeds

2 spoonfuls of goji berries

1 spoonful of nuts or muesli of your choice (optional)

What to do

1. Start by pouring your yoghurt in a bowl
2. Top with fresh fruit, chia seeds, goji berries and nuts if using
3. Top off with agave syrup

The post Recipe: All in yoghurt dessert appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

You can probably tell by now that I have a deep love for eggs and breakfast in general. As the name suggest, breakfast is all about breaking the fast after not eating all night. Which is why I like to ensure what I put into my body can set me up for the rest of the day. And eggs and bacon a sure fire way to do that. This particular dish was inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant not too long ago. And since lockdown has meant restaurants have been closed. One thing that has been on my mind most mornings is this delicious, creamy and tasty open sandwich. Great thing is that it can be served either warm or cold depending on your mood and the weather.

So grab some eggs, bacon and a few other bits and bobs and give this one a try. I promise you will not regret it.

What you will need

• One boiled egg (warm or at room temperature)
• 2-3 strips of bacon
• 2 Tablespoons of good quality mayonnaise
• 1 Teaspoon of freshly chopped herbs (I like chives for this recipe)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A slice of toast
• A small side salad of your choice

To make

1. Cut egg up into bite size pieces
2. Add the mayo, fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste
3. Spread mixture onto toast
4. Top off with fried bacon slices
5. Serve with side salad or alone and enjoy

The post Recipe: Open egg mayo, and bacon sandwich appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

As an avid home cook, I love it when I can come up with delicious and tasty recipes for my friends and family to enjoy. This was the case with my recent pasta dish which I have lovingly named “Pasta de Nonna”. Nonna in Italian means grandmother and after making and eating this dish a few times, I am convinced that this is the kind of dish an Italian grandmother would make for her 13 grand kids at a moments notice. It is both comforting and fresh all at once. And the great thing about it is that you can switch out the ingredients as you see fit. Especially the toppings at the end.

What you will need:

1 can of good tomatoes

1/4 cup good olive oil

1 teaspoon of agave or maple syrup

1 spoon of tomato paste

1 zucchini sliced into half moon shapes

1/2 red pepper sliced into square chunks

1/2 eggplant cut up into medium sized squares

3 cloves of garlic

1 spoon of Italian herbs of your choice

2 small shallots or 1/2 red or white onion

Small bunch of fresh parsley

1 packet of linguine, spaghetti or tagliatelli

1 ball of burrata or soft Mozarella cheese

Small bunch of fresh basil

Salt and pepper to serve

Recipe:

1. Start by bring a pot of salted water to the boil and add your pasta in to cook for about 10 – 15 minutes stirring occasionally
2. Whilst your pasta cooks heat up a teaspoon of olive oil in a deep pan and add in your eggplant. Let cook for a few minutes until golden brown on all sides. Note that eggplant needs a good amount of moisture so feel free to keep adding olive oil as it cooks.
3. When it is done, add in the shallots or onion and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until they are soft.
4. Add in red pepper and zucchini with the Italian herbs and let cook for a further 10 minutes or so.
5. Add your can of tomatoes with the tomato paste and let reduce a little
6. Drain the pasta that you have cooked and add it to your pasta sauce. let simmer for a while then season with salt and pepper and your syrup of choice. I like to use syrup when working with canned tomatoes as I find that it takes away the acidity from the can.
7. Lay out cooked pasta on a serving dish and top with the pasta sauce.
8. Break up chunks of burrata or mozzarella on top and top of with a healthy dose of freshly cracked black pepper and torn fresh basil and serve.

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There are very few things we love in our house as much as we love slow and low scrambled eggs. In part because they are so easy to make but also because they are so tasty. That is of course if you happen to get some really good eggs. One’s with an orange yolk and lots of goodness. Which is why when I was thinking up Valentine’s day breakfast recipes, these came to mind. Partly because it is my husbands favorite breakfast meal. But also because they are so damn easy to put together and super good for you. Add some spinach, trout and tomato and you are ready to take on the day.

What you will need:

4 sliced of toast of your choice (I like ciabatta, whole wheat or even a bagel)

A good knob of butter

4 eggs

Half a tomato

1 cup of spinach

A few slices of smoked trout

A squeeze of lemon

Teaspoon of freshly chopped chives

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare your slow and low eggs by putting a cast iron (or other thick pan) onto medium heat stove. When hot add the butter and allow to melt.
2. Whilst butter is melting whisk the eggs in a bowl
3. Add the eggs to the melted butter and start whisking. Ensure to turn the heat to the lowest setting and continue to whisk slowly for about 8 minutes.
4. Remove eggs from the heat and add chives, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
5. Compose your sandwich by placing some chopped spinach on each slice of bread.
6. Follow this up with a slice of tomato and your smoked trout.
7. Squeeze some lemon juice onto your trout and top off with a tablespoon of eggs.
8. Serve immediately

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A go to galette that never disappoints.  I’m a fan of galette’s because of their rustic look & taste.  It’s just a lovely tart that can be made savoury or sweet that works for those summer lunches that celebrate good simple wholesome foods.

My favourite of all time has to be a beetroot & goat cheese.  The combination between the two… beetroot & goat’s chevre is a match made in heaven.  The best part of it all, is that its simple to produce and a real beauty on the table.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil 
• 2 red onions, cut into quarters
• Fresh thyme
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 5-7 medium sized beetroot.  (I use both purple and golden beets)
• 1 store bought puff pastry
• 1 egg (for egg washing)
• Salt & pepper
• 100g goat’s cheese, torn into pieces

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and roast in separate  pans coat your onion quarters with olive oil and sprinkle some salt and pepper.
2. In the second oven tray, roast the beetroots whole, (creating a foil pouch) without peeling with olive oil  and thyme.  Roast for about 1 hr or until tender.  Peel after and then slice into round thin discs
3. Dust your surface and roll out your puff pastry dough and shape into a circle.  Then carefully transfer onto greaseproof paper. Arrange your beetroots all around the pastry allowing them to overlap each other to close off any gaps.  Then sprinkle your torn pieces of goats cheese and drizzle over a mix of whisked balsamic, olive oil and a touch of honey (do not drench)
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper and thyme leaves and fold the edges of the puff pastry inwards to create a pizza-like crust edges.
5. Then egg wash the edges and sprinkle some sesame seeds before popping into the oven and baking for about 20-30 min when the crust is deeply browned. Beginning in centre, arrange beet slices on cheese in overlapping concentric circles. Stir together vinegar and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle vinegar mixture evenly over beets.
6. Let stand 10 minutes. Slice up and enjoy!

The post Recipe: Beetroot and goat cheese galette appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

With Christmas around the corner, the pressure of the infamous family lunch menu is an anxiety inducer to some. Whilst others welcome it as they have gathered an arsenal of recipes throughout the year to try out on family. 

But have we ever considered rethinking our approach to Christmas?  Creating a gathering that has less kitchen slaving and more time spent together?  Cooking food that’s nutritious, impressive but less time consuming.

Well sign me up for that.  As a chef, and having gone through 2020 and all its insanity. The last thing I have in mind is spending even more time in the kitchen.  I want to eat good food but I want it less arduous.

Which is what this easy maize bread recipe is.  Its spicy, has lots of texture and flavour to mop up all the good juices on the plate, like every bread should!

Ingredients

• 140gram all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup/95g maize meal
• 2-3 tablespoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

What you need:

• 2-3 fresh corn cobs, charred and shaved (about 2 cups of corn)
• 115 g / ¾ cup grams cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup / (120ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1-2 finely chopped jalapenos (optional)
• 4 tablespoon 57grams unsalted butter melted

Equipment needed

• Cast iron pan / baking pan
• Measuring spoons &/ Kitchen scale
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter cast iron pan / baking dish and set aside.
2. Remove husk from corn and charr all the sides of the corn on a hot cast iron pan/griddle then shave off the kernels from the cob.
3. In a medium bowl, empty out the jar of pre-mix and whisk together the with baking powder and baking soda
4. Whisk in, sour cream, milk, and lightly beaten eggs until well combined
5. Then, add melted butter and corn mixture, leaving a little to scatter on top, then pour the batter into prepared cast iron pan or baking tin. 
6. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until light golden brown and toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.

The post Recipe: Maize bread appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

Of all the gift guides we’ve shared so far, this has to be one of my favorites. Mainly because as the title suggests, you can play around with it and create what ever you want. Personally I am leaning heavily into making Christmas cookies for loved ones for that extra personal touch. especially as I love to cook and bake and I know my friends will appreciate them. If you have other skills however, I would suggest using those too. After all, nothing says “I’m thinking of you” like a hand made gift. Whether it’s a knitted sweater, or a dope playlist the list is endless, and you can take it where ever you want. Extra points for not buying useless gifts that will just get thrown away.

With that said, here are some cool gift ideas for the creatively (or not) inclined.

Homemade food item

Like I said before. Nothings says I love you like a hand made gift. If baking and cooking are not your thing try your hand at this easy to make preserved lemon recipe by our in house foodie Mpho from Food I love you. Not only will your foodie loved ones be impressed. But they will hopefully be cooking up dishes with them for you in the future. If that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is.

Christmas baking recipes

For your baking inclined friends, how about sharing that top secret recipe that they keep asking you to make? I know there are a few friends who would love my devils food cake recipe to be able to make themselves. Write it out on a beautiful card for them to make and store.

Homemade or order online photo album

2020 may not have been the year filled with many travels, but hopefully it has been filled with a good amount of beautiful memories. From late night snacking with your quarantine crew, to long walks in nature, or even the endless reel of selfies you took with loved ones. Making or ordering a photo album is a great way to look back on the good moments from this year.

Picture frame 

On the subject of memories. As someone who often prints pictures in bulk but doesn’t have picture frames to store them all, I know  I would appreciate a beautiful picture frame like this one for Christmas. If you don’t find one you like from Vista, try going to a second hand or charity shop to get beautiful antique silver or unwanted frames.

Fabric sewing bundle of antique fabrics and linens

Whilst creating a gift can mean a lot to the receiver. Gifting someone who enjoys DIY projects with some beautiful tools to make what ever they like is even better. Which is why getting a few antique linens like these would make any DIYer happy. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but also offer a wealth of inspiration.

Gin making kit

With gin fast becoming the drink of choice world wide. This gin making kit would make even the toughest critic jump from glee. It’s a great gift to give someone who already has every gin imaginable, or someone you who already has everything. Its a fun conversation starter around the Christmas table and should be good for new years cocktails. 

Card game 

If like many of us you have already whizzed through your netflix watch list then this is the perfect gift. Not only is it a minority owned company. But also a great gift to give and enjoy with loved ones that does not include sitting in front of a screen.

The post The (Sustainable) CREATE She Evolves Gift Guide appeared first on Sheevolves.world.