Holiday Meal Inspiration
It’s no secret. I am an avid foodie. Come Christmas time and the menu, where others fear to tread, I embrace wholeheartedly. Cooking calms me. It centres me and brings me to the present moments with the sights, the smell of spices, sugars and flavours and as I feel the various textures beneath my hands. I must admit, I like to be left alone when I cook and I need to have the time and space for such a big menu. Similarly, I approach with love...I focus on the people I love who I am preparing a meal for and as the intention then becomes more apparent once more, the process of cooking becomes a joy.
With Christmas on the horizon, we know that our festive and family season will be different - and for many South Africans significantly smaller. However, we have also learnt that fewer doesn’t mean less special. We hosted my mom’s 60th celebration 9 months after she turned 60 (her birthday was the first day of level 5 lockdown) and this family of home cooks, turned to a magnificent chef and friend to cater for us. So herewith, some inspiration for your Christmas or New Years dinner.
Balance your flavours.
You want to enjoy your food without feeling like you’ve done a disservice to your body. I am not a salad person, but I love beautifully flavoured vegetables. Veg brings a filling, yet lightness to your table that will leave everyone satisfied.
South Africans love flavour...we don’t do bland. Your meats will have quite a bit of spice, so go light on the veg. For someone who loves spices as much as I do, vegetables that are roasted as is are the most beautiful accompaniment to your food and you. Roast your veg (large 1 pan roasts are divine, just ensure you place the vegetables that need longer cooking time first (like potatoes, beetroot or pumpkin). Veg like tomatoes oven roasted with a dash of balsamic is a bite of heaven. Create a rainbow on a platter and top with micro herbs and a couple of edible flowers and you will look like a pro.
Red & White
If you’re meat-eaters, have a balance of red and white meats. I personally love exotic flavours for fish dishes and fish really doesn’t have to be intimidating. Pinterest has a food-verse of recipes that make it incredibly easy to follow. Something like a Thai crab curry will have your tastebuds singing but somehow, the freshness of Thai flavours and minimal oil doesn’t leave you feeling heavy after eating. (have your finger bowls on the table for every individual or some wet wipes for safety measures).
Go smokey with your chicken (and no, chicken doesn’t need any oil). Something as simple as creating a rub with salt and powdered Dhania and Jeera (Cumin and Coriander) for your chicken pieces with water in your pan (roast on 200 for about 45 minutes) are just delicious. Authentic foodies cooked an incredible citrusy Morrocan Chicken on a bed of couscous for us (psssst, if you want a slightly easier option, you can get the Morrocan couscous with peach bits at Woolies...just add water).
Roasts are my speciality. A mix of the perfect spices, massaged into the leg of lamb, submerge into water and bring to the boil then cook on low for a few hours. Take all that meat and mouthwatering sauces from the pot, transfer into your roasting dish and roast for just a few minutes to render the fat. I can taste it already.
Many of us will be celebrating in much smaller numbers this year, a lovely red meat alternative for the leg of lamb would be individual lamb shanks. These plate beautifully.
Sweet Tooth
Ah, the dessert...the perfect way to round off your meal. Delicious doesn’t mean overly sweet. I love our South African tradition of trifle (no nuts or sherry please), peppermint tart or a divine fridge tart. These are easy and can be made ahead of time so that you’re not slaving away on Christmas morning. I believe in seasonal meals and because Christmas is during our summer season, add a refreshing sorbet or home made ice lollies to your menu, and a divine fruit platter.
Drinks
Who doesn’t love a bit of bubbly for your table? Create some refreshing drinks with another South African tradition, home made ginger beer, pop in a few berries and it’s a beautiful drink. I love having sparkling water in a beautiful jug that’s steeped with fresh fruit, particularly limes or lemon (add a few drops of zero calorie water flavouring and no one will realise they are enjoying glass after glass of water).
When the sun sets, I love to serve a family favourite with a twist. I make my chocolate ganache cake and top it with fresh cream and an assortment of berries. Select a simple cake recipe and jazz it up just like that...serve with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the sunset together.
Make Christmas a time of thanksgiving, especially this year. Use what you have in your home to bring love and gratitude and joy to your table. Instead of focusing on what you can’t have this year, direct your energy to the fact that you’re still standing.
By Kim Jansen