• There is something quietly magical about autumn in South Africa.   The rush of summer slows, the air turns crisp, and suddenly the kitchen starts calling again. It is the season of roasting trays, bubbling pots and meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day.  And then there is the produce. Oh, the produce.  From velvety avocados and sweet figs to earthy beetroot and golden butternut, autumn delivers ingredients that make cooking feel effortless. It is a season made for comfort, colour and generous plates shared around the table.  Vegetables made for comfort cooking If summer belongs to…

    Rich, bubbling and gloriously comforting, this beef lasagne is the kind of midweek dinner that turns an ordinary evening into something worth gathering around the table for. Layers of slow-simmered ragù, silky spinach-speckled béchamel and tender pasta sheets come together under a golden crown of mozzarella and Parmesan for the ultimate oven-baked reward. Yes, it takes a little patience, but the payoff is every forkful of savoury, cheesy goodness. The secret lies in the long-cooked sauce – beef mince gently simmered with vegetables, red wine and tomato until deeply rich and full of flavour. Add a creamy béchamel with a…

    Creamy, fragrant and full of comforting flavour, this aubergine, chickpea and coconut curry is the kind of midweek meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Tender aubergine soaks up the rich, gently spiced coconut sauce, while chickpeas add heartiness and texture. Serve it with fluffy rice, warm naan or a scattering of fresh herbs for an easy dinner that brings big flavour to the table with minimal fuss. Made this Aubergine, chickpea and coconut curry recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram! ALSO SEE: Roast beef sirloin with smoky tahini https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/main-ingredient/beef/roast-beef-sirloin-with-smoky-tahini

    Simple, elegant and quietly indulgent, this white chocolate Bundt cake is the kind of bake that never goes out of style. With a light, buttery crumb and a silky white chocolate glaze, it’s perfect for everything from weekend tea to special occasions. It’s understated in the best way — soft, rich and just sweet enough to feel like a proper treat. Made this recipe? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram Also See: Easy vegan chocolate cake https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/easy-vegan-chocolate-cake

    If you ask any Michelin-star chef, they will immediately say yes and probably tell you a story on how it helps the muscles relax and redistribute the juices, leaving you with a clean cut and no mess on the plate. While that may be somewhat true, new studies have shown that resting meat isn’t about redistributing juices and relaxing muscles, but, more arguably, for a far more important reason altogether. New research, clearer reasons Food scientists have been researching the effects of resting on meat. And while the longer you rest meat, the less messy it gets on the plate (i.e.…

    If you’re looking to upgrade your breakfast routine without adding any extra effort (a rare and beautiful concept), these baked oats are the answer. Blended with banana, honey…