One trick I’ve learnt from working in the hospitality industry is that prep is king. Your secret weapon in any kitchen, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or pro chef, is prep. Whatever you can peel, chop, dice, blanch, and freeze ahead of time will make your cooking journey easier and far more enjoyable. A simple (but game-changing) place to start? Freezing fresh herbs. Here’s how. Why freeze fresh herbs? You might have gotten super excited and bought a huge bunch, or two, of fresh herbs from your local fruit and veg store (like me, I’m a culprit), or you’ve…
When making this breakfast tart, it’s important to create a good ‘dam’, or well, for the egg to sit in to prevent spillages. And when you’re arranging the…
The chopping board debate is as old as the kitchen itself: wood or plastic? For centuries, wooden boards took first place, trusted by our ancestors as the best surface for preparing dinner. But then the notion came around that plastic was a more hygienic, modern option. Since then, the argument has gone back and forth (like watching a tennis match), with new research constantly reshaping the narrative. So, which is truly safer to use? Let’s cut through the noise. Wooden vs plastic Wooden chopping boards Pros: Gentle on knives, wood naturally has antimicrobial properties (especially eucalyptus and maple), is durable, and…
Cooking can feel like pure joy until you look around and see the chaos left behind. Dirty dishes, sticky counters and pots piled in the sink have a…
Busy day? No problem. We’ve put together 10 delicious dinners that are quick, easy, and ready in 30 minutes or less. From hearty pastas and stir-fries to lighter, wholesome options, these dishes are perfect for weeknights when time isn’t on your side but flavour still matters. 1. Vegan Burrito Bowl Recipe https://www.foodandhome.co.za/on-shelf/vegan-burrito-bowl-recipe 2. Steak with mash and greens https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/steak-with-mash-and-greens 3. One-pot creamy chicken https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/one-pot-creamy-chicken 4. Sausage, fennel and burrata pasta https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/sausage-fennel-burrata-pasta 5. Tacos with vindaloo beans, crushed avocado and charred corn https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/tacos-vindaloo-beans-crushed-avocado-charred-corn 6. Three-cheese gnocchi https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/three-cheese-gnocchi 7. One-pot lasagna https://www.foodandhome.co.za/recipes/one-pot-stove-top-lasagna 8. Spicy vegan rice noodle bowls with Korean fried tofu…
Stainless steel pans have many advantages: they perfectly seal and crisp up proteins, they can cook acidic foods in them without a problem (unlike cast iron pans), and…
Olive Oil is such a precious ingredient these days (it feels like it costs the same as some people’s rent). And when it comes to preserving its flavour, there are superior materials that should be used for storage and other materials that should be avoided at all costs. How packaging impacts olive oil quality Olive oil takes a long time to produce, from creating the perfect conditions for olive trees to thrive, to making sure the orchard gets enough water to produce hearty fruits, and then taking the time to harvest, clean, and press the olives for clean and pure…
Suzelle and Mbali show us the way. Like most good South Africans who always listened to their mother, your kitchen cupboards probably contain at least one bottle of…
It might be a surprise, but potatoes and onions shouldn’t be stored next to each other. They may make the perfect base for stews, casseroles, and soups, but aren’t the best bunk mates. What’s the big deal? Onions emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process of anything it comes in contact with, much like bananas. Ethylene gas is great for speeding up the ripening process for say, avos or mangoes, but we don’t want it affecting the shelf life of our newly bought potatoes. If you do store them together, you can expect your sack of potatoes to…
South Africans may be eating out less frequently, but when they do, they are more intentional than ever. According to Dineplan’s 2024 Restaurant Report, “value for money” and…