Food Riot

Ok so it’s weekend. You come home exhausted from work to find your other half has (in his words) “started supper so that you can just relax”. Fantastic! What this actually translates into is that he has started a fire, opened himself a beer and put a wine glass out on the counter for you.

We’re braaing (as we say here in sunny South Africa).

Wonderful, you think as you open a chilly bottle of Chenin, pour yourself a glass, and dig around in the deep freeze for something to give to ‘the chef’ to cook – along with the tongs, braai spice, basting sauce and another cold beer, so that he can continue in his valiant efforts to make supper.

Now … what to have with the meat/chicken? Got to be something that’s quick and easy so that you can get out there and relax by the fire, enjoying the sight of your supper being lovingly prepared for you.

Coleslaw without heaps of stodgy, sticky mayo stuff

Ingredients:

• Baby cabbage
• Celery
• Apple (must be crisp and sweet)
• Nuts / seeds
• Cider vinegar
• Olive oil
• Mayonnaise

Method:

Finely shred the baby cabbage – toss it with cider vinegar (not too much – can be over-powering), olive oil, salt and pepper. Scoop out to the sides of the serving dish to create a cavity in the centre. Now mix the chopped celery and chopped apple with a spoonful of mayo to bind and spoon into the hollow. Sprinkle with toasted nuts (sliced almonds are good on this) or seeds (toasted sunflower and sesame would be my choice). Serve … takes all of 5 minutes to prepare – looks great and tastes fab.

Potatoes with tasty salsa-type topping

Ingredients:

• Potatoes
• Baby tomatoes
• Olives
• Feta
• Spring onions or green garlic
• Parsley
• Olive Oil
• Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

Method:

• Prick potatoes (Mediterranean are just the best) and microwave – or wrap in tinfoil and bake in the coals. Or you could boil them – just cook them because they’re crappy raw.
• Chop up and combine the baby tomatoes, olives, onion and lots of parsley.
• Crumble in feta.
• Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, olive oil and little lemon juice to taste – mix.
• To serve, cut potatoes in half and spoon the salsa over.

Once again – a dish that can be prepared in minutes but looks great and is really delicious!
Now fill up your glass of wine, grab another cold beer and go and relax by the fire … you are being treated tonight!