Cooking fresh food and drinking divine Cape wines in Melkbosstrand Cape Town
In this modern interpretation of Beef Bourguignon, we introduce a delightful twist to the classic French dish by incorporating guanciale and meaty sheep tails. Inspired by the rich flavours of traditional ingredients, this recipe offers a fusion of savoury notes and hearty textures. Slow-cooked, over an open fire, in a medley of red wine, aromatic herbs, and wholesome vegetables, this dish promises a comforting and indulgent dining experience.
Chicken Francese, or Chicken Française, stands as a beloved classic in Italian-American cuisine, renowned for its harmonious blend of tender chicken and a vibrant lemon-infused sauce. The distinguishing feature of Chicken Francese lies in its zestful and tangy sauce, crafted with lemons, chicken broth, and white wine, resulting in a lively and refreshing flavour profile. In this particular version, I’m presenting Chicken Francese atop a bed of guanciale mash, accompanied by crispy asparagus and sweet peppers for a delightful and well-rounded dining experience.
Pasta alla Gricia is a classic Roman pasta dish that exemplifies simplicity at its finest. This humble yet incredibly flavorful dish is a staple in the traditional cuisine of Rome, showcasing the region’s love for cured pork and aged cheese. With just a handful of ingredients, Pasta alla Gricia delivers a satisfying and comforting meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
A braai pie is a South African way of cooking a calzone-style pizza (or pie) over the coals. This one specifically, was filled with homemade salami, guanciale and olives, but you can use any filling you like.
I recently got some very impressive sheep tails i.e. skaapstertjies from a friend in Loeriesfontein, a small village in the Northern Cape situated in the Hantam region. This area is renowned for its sheep farming and its hospitality.
Bourbon chicken is a bit of Cajun and Chinese cuisines mixed together. There are quite a variety of recipes for bourbon (or whiskey) chicken, but my aim was simplicity and a short preparation time as well as a good sauce with a hearty starch.
This is a very easy dish which can be served as a main or a starter or a side dish.
Green beans or string beans, are at their best when picked young and tender for a fresh, crunchy texture. The guanciale can probably be replaced with pancetta or bacon, but it offers a much more complex and rich flavour.
I managed to get my hands on a huge, whole deboned turkey breast and seeing that I’m trying everything out with my homemade guanciale, I decided to grill the breast, wrapped in guanciale over an open fire in a rotisserie basket.
This recipe is based on the very famous Amatriciana dish, but because of the pasta purists out there, I’ll will refrain from calling it that. It contains all four the necessary ingredients for an authentic Amatriciana dish…and some more.
Carbonara has a very long and interesting history. There are many variations, even in Italy, but most Italians will agree there is only one way to make the authentic version.