Picture: Supplied
There are so many joys of the South African summer, but perhaps the most delightful is the filling up of the senses that the season brings. Long, hot days and balmy nights invite us to fully embrace the aliveness of outdoor living. More than at any other time of year, summer awakens our knowing that, despite all our challenges, we are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful and bountiful land.
In the Mzansi summertime, warm air is redolent with the scents of fresh grasses and new flowers, of sweet peaches and smoky meat sizzling over hot coals. With smiles that reach the eyes and heart, we hear the easy laughter and cheerful banter of South Africans coming together, unwinding and focusing on the things that really matter – our relationships, our loves and the pure enjoyment of our unique vibe.
As South Africans from all walks of life, it is the food that we put on our tables for our friends and families that holds the centre for our treasured summer experiences. Our diverse cultural heritage gives us a palette of flavours, textures, aromas and visual delights unmatched anywhere. Of course, the season also offers an abundance of locally grown, fresh produce – what would the summer be without the juicy lushness of peaches, plums and nectarines?
For the Summer of 2024, recipe developers and food stylists Emma Nkunzana and Masego Mbonyana have teamed up with Juicy Delicious to create a one-of-a-kind catalogue of South African-inspired festive dishes. Whether you are hosting beach picnics or swish parties, braaiing in your backyard or cooking up a three-course festive feast, you will discover fresh ideas that will wow your friends and family this holiday season:
- Masego’s Curry marinated grilled peaches and blueberry salad is an artful blend of spices and citrus with the juiciness of peaches and blueberries topped with the smooth saltiness of Danish feta cheese.
- Find finger food with a uniquely South African flair in Emma’s Braaied Chicken Gizzard Wraps with Plum Coleslaw. Nutrient-rich gizzards, marinated in chilli and oregano, are braaied to perfection and served atop a bed of tangy plum coleslaw, all wrapped up for a flavour-packed bite.
- Perennial biltong and in-season plums combine in a sensational flavour bomb that can come from nowhere else in the world but South Africa in Masego’s Biltong, plum & mint salsa blinis. It’s perfect picnic and party food, sensational as an appetizer and so good you might want to indulge at breakfast or brunch as well!
- Emma’s Stone Fruit Atchar with Dombolo makes use of plums, nectarines and peaches. The recipe brings together the sensational flavours of South Africa’s Indian community with the delicious comfort of traditional steamed bread.
- Masego’s Chicken Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Plum Chutney will become a family favourite this holiday season. The luscious balance of sweet, tart plums in a chutney warmed with ginger and cloves pairs beautifully with juicy chicken meatballs.
- Emma’s Chicken & Caramelized Nectarines with Fragrant Rice is a one-pot wonder that elevates the classic chicken and rice dish. Seared nectarines, cinnamon, chilli, and garlic add a refined touch to this quick and easy meal.
- Add to your braai repertoire with Emma’s Peach Shisa Nyama Marinated Chicken Flattie. In South Africa’s vibrant townships, Shisa Nyama are the informal places where people gather to enjoy a braai. Here Emma creates a unique braai marinade using blended peaches and spices.
- Masego’s Spiced Nectarine Crumble is a breeze to prepare and guaranteed to impress! Gently spiced nectarines are topped with a homemade vanilla crumble, making it the perfect summer dessert, especially when served with ice cream.
Masego and Emma’s Tips to make the most of the South African stone fruit season:
- For easy peeling of poached nectarines, submerge cooked nectarines into an ice bath for 2- 4 minutes.
- Grill halved peaches or nectarines until caramelized, then serve them as a side dish for braaied meats. They are just as fantastic as an easy dessert, drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.
- Make a glaze using pureed peaches or nectarines, adding a touch of brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and mustard. Brush it over your roast meats during the final stages of cooking for a sweet, tangy finish that balances savoury flavours.
- Create a festive stone fruit salsa by combining diced plums, peaches, or nectarines with chopped red onion, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime. This fresh and zesty salsa is perfect as a topping for grilled chicken, braaied fish, or even over nachos for a summer twist.
- If you want a tarter flavour from your stone fruit, choose slightly under-ripe ones. They also hold their shape well for a stunning presentation.
- Add thinly sliced nectarines or plums into a summer salad with mixed greens, toasted nuts, and crumbled blue cheese. The combination of sweet, juicy fruit and the salty richness of the cheese creates a beautiful balance of flavours.
Also see: Eager to get into the Christmas cheer? Here is where you can go carolling in Cape Town
