A South African Easter is a sensational blend of history, tradition, and love of bold flavours.
Whether it’s the spicy hot cross bun, tangy pickled fish, or unmistakable spiced Easter loaf, friends and families across the nation gather around festive tables laden with dishes filled with stories of heritage and connection.
Born and raised in the Bo-Kaap, Chef André Hill, of Radisson Red Waterfront in Cape Town, has always felt that food is about connection.
Easter is a time for coming together, and in South Africa, our food reflects that spirit. Spices have long been at the heart of our cooking, bringing warmth and depth to dishes that are passed down through generations. My Spiced Easter Loaf is a nod to those traditions. Simple, flavourful, and perfect for sharing.
Chef brings a contemporary twist to this classic Spiced Easter loaf recipe by focusing on plant-based ingredients, making this sweet and savoury loaf vegan-friendly!
Chef André Hill’s Spiced Easter Loaf
Ingredients
- 300g white bread flour
- 350g cake flour
- 20g yeast
- 60g sugar
- 3 tbsp mixed spice
- ½ tbsp fennel seed (chopped)
- 2 tbsp aniseed
- 1.5 tbsp ground cardamom
- 3 tbsp ground ginger
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 60g raisins (roughly chopped)
- 50g sultanas (roughly chopped)
- 60ml oil
- 100ml oat milk
- 400ml water
- 15g fine salt
Instructions
PLACE all dry ingredients, along with the oil and 100ml of water, into a mixer. If mixing by hand, use the well method.
GRADUALLY incorporate the remaining water, reserving about 20%. Once incorporated, add the salt.
KNEAD or mix for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the method used.
ALLOW the dough to prove until doubled in size.
KNOCK down and shape into loaves. This recipe yields two standard-sized loaves.
BEFORE baking, brush with oat milk mixed with a splash of vanilla, sprinkle with sugar and Maldon salt, and score the tops.
BAKE at 160°C for 28 to 30 minutes.
ALLOW to cool on a rack before serving.
Notes
Chef André Hill says "Thick slices of the spiced loaf can be pan-fried and topped with spicy red onion marmalade, smoked vegan cheese, caramel-smoked Maldon salt, and lemon thyme for a delicious savoury treat".
Made this spiced Easter loaf? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram!
ALSO SEE: Greek roast leg of lamb with lemon potatoes and skordella
Greek roast lamb leg with lemon potatoes and skordella
Feature image credit: Radisson Red
