More stories

  • in

    The Potato Flight Trend Is Having A Moment — Here Are 3 Stuffed Potato Recipes You’ll Love

    If you haven’t caught the #bakedpotatoflight craze yet, it’s time to get on board! TikTok is buzzing over this mouthwatering trend and we’ve got three stuffed baked potato recipes you need to try right now. Created by Naomi Teal, these loaded spuds could cure your hangover, fuel you for the toughest of mornings and power your post-workout recovery. Plus, they’re decadent, delicious — but totally good for you!The Loaded Breakfast This bad boy, with shiitake mushrooms, eggs and asparagus is going to get you going. Shiitake mushrooms are great for its vitamin D and B’s. They also improve energy levels and brain function, reduce inflammation and support your immune system.

    Breakfast Stuffed Potatoes

    Start your day with this loaded breakfast spud. Packed with shiitake mushrooms, eggs and asparagus, it’s the morning boost you need to power through your day.

    Cook Time 45 minutes mins

    Course Breakfast, Lunch

    Servings 1 serving

    1 medium sweet potato40g shiitake mushrooms (sliced)handful of spinach1 tbsp coconut oil4 asparagus2 medium eggspinch of sea salt and pepper
    Bake the sweet potato at 180° for 45 minutes until completely cooked through, once cooked take out and leave the oven on.Prepare a small pan with water and bring to boil. Whilst the sweet potato is baking gently heat the coconut oil in a pan and  add the mushrooms, salt and pepper and cook on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, take off the heat and throw in the spinach to slightly wilt.Halve your baked sweet potato and spoon out 3 tbsp from each half (still leaving some sweet potato inside), add the mushroom and spinach and then crack open each egg carefully and put into each potato half.Place on a baking tray and place in the oven, cook for 4 minutes for a medium runny yolk.Whilst they are cooking blanch the asparagus in the pan of boiling water for 3 minutes, aldente preferably, then strain. Plate the loaded potato halves and use the asparagus to dip in your yolks — oh yes!

    Keyword Viral Recipes

    READ MORE: Your Ultimate Protein Pancake RecipeThe Stuffed Potatoes Hangover CureOne too many shots last night? Restore those depleted nutrients with essential electrolytes. Cure those greasy fat cravings with healthier fats like cashews and avocado, while protein-rich turkey and black beans give your energy levels a much-needed boost.

    Protein-Rich Stuffed Potatoes

    Recharge with this nutrient-packed spud. Essential electrolytes, healthy fats from cashews and avocado, plus protein-rich turkey and black beans will restore your energy and curb cravings.

    Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes mins

    Course Lunch, Side Dish

    Servings 1 serving

    1 sweet potato125g minced turkey or finely diced breast8 cherry tomatoes1 tsp apple cider vinegar½ tsp garlic finely choppedpinch of chilli powderpinch of smoked paprika½ tsp brown miso paste2 tbsp coconut oil50g black beans3g coriander choppedpinch of salt and pepperGuacamole½ avocado½ lime juiced3g coriander choppedpinch of salt and pepperfresh red chilli a few thin slices to garnishCashew Cream50g raw cashews½ tsp tahini1 lemon juicedpinch of salt and pepper
    Soak the cashews in a bowl with boiling water for 20 minutes.Wash then bake the potato at 180°C for 45 minutes until completely cooked through. Whilst the potato is baking, slowly heat the coconut oil in a pan and add the garlic and turkey, gently cook for 5 minutes. Then add the beans, chilli, paprika, vinegar, miso, salt, pepper and cook for a further 10 minutes on a low heat. Take off the heat and add the chopped coriander.Cashew cream: drain the cashews and blend all the ingredients together in a blender or Nutri-bullet until smooth.Guacamole: spoon out the flesh from the avocado and mash it in a small bowl with a fork and then mix in the remaining ingredients.Halve the baked potato, spoon out 2 tbsp from the middle of each half and add it to the beans and tomatoes, combine and spoon back into the skins.Add a generous spoonful of guacamole and cashew cream on top — don’t forget those fresh chilli slices for an extra kick!

    Keyword Viral Recipes

    READ MORE: Try This Easy One-Pot Chicken, Basil And Tomato Orzo Recipe For Dinner Tonight The Post-Workout Fuel The potassium in the potato helps to prevent lactic acid build-up, which causes muscle cramps. The quinoa and black beans are essential proteins for muscle repair.

    Post-Workout Stuffed Potatoes

    Feeling drained after your workout? This stuffed baked potato is your perfect post-exercise snack. Packed with potassium to prevent muscle cramps and quinoa with black beans for essential protein, it’s designed to aid muscle recovery and replenish your energy.

    Cook Time 43 minutes mins

    Course Snack

    Servings 1 serving

    1 medium baking potato25g quinoa3 dried apricot diced1 hand full fresh parsley½ hand full fresh mint¼ red onion finely diced5 cherry tomatoes halved1 tsp lemon juice1 tsp apple cider vinegar1 tsp extra virgin olive oil¼ can can black beans rinsed2 tbsp tomato sauce2 tsp mayonnaise you can use vegan mayo1 spring onion dicedsproats for toppingpinch of sea salt and pepper
    Bake the potato at 180*C for 45 minutes until completely cooked through. Whilst the potato is baking boil the quinoa for 10 – 15 minutes until done, then drain.Finely chop the parsley and the mint and mix with the quinoa along with the apricot, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil — combine.Halve the potato and and top with the quinoa mixture, some tomato sauce, black beans, mayonnaise, spring onion and sproats.

    Keyword Viral Recipes

    Editor-Approved Potato Flight Combos:Our editors are all in on the potato flight trend and these are the combos we’re currently obsessed with:Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor: Caramelised onions and mushrooms with finely chopped red, yellow and green peppers, spicy mince and a gooey cheese topping.Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor: Think disco fries with a twist—spring onion, creamy chilli sauce, mozzarella and maybe a bit of crispy bacon for that extra protein boost.Michelle October, Features Editor: A mix of chicken mayo, green onion, spinach, chilli flakes and crispy onions on top for crunch.Chamain van Zyl, Online Editor: Aromat and sour cream on a baked potato, always a win. But to elevate it, try taco-spiced mince, guacamole, sour cream and a fresh salsa salad. Pure bliss!Looking for more recipes? More

  • in

    A Punchy, Citrusy Salad To Usher In Spring

    Warmer days call for lighter meals – that’s right! And what better day to welcome spring than with this Naartjie, Fennel and Prawn Salad from Chef Monché Muller’s Harvest Table. Easy-to-prep and packed with contrasting flavours (not forgetting those nutrients!), the salad merges the sweet flavours of naartjies (packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids), the crispness of fennel (full of potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium) and the firm, but tender texture of lightly cooked prawns (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E). Grab your fork and let’s unlock some new flavours together!

    READ MORE: The Healthy & Crunchy Watercress Salad That’s Perfect For Summer Lunches

    Naartjie, Fennel and Prawn Salad

    Naartjie, Fennel and Prawn Salad

    Chef Monché Muller

    From Harvest Table: A Culinary Journey Through the Wine Regions of France, Italy, Spain and South Africa

    Prep Time 30 minutes mins

    Course Lunch, Main CourseCuisine Healthy

    Servings 4

    Serving DishSalad Tongs1 Knife
    For the prawns12 – 16  Prawns,  deveined1  tsp Paprika ½  tsp Cayenne pepper1  tsp Minced garlic2 Tbsp ButterOlive, oil for fryingSalt, to tasteFor the dressing5 g  Chives,  finely sliced3 Tbsp White wine vinegar1  Lemon,  zested and juiced1 tsp Honey125 ml  Extra virgin olive oil½  tsp Sea salt flakesFreshly ground black pepper,  to tasteFor the salad2   bulbs Fennel,  thinly sliced100  g Watercress100 g Wild rocket3  Naartjies,  peeled and sliced1 Avocado,  cubed20 g Almonds,  toasted and roughly chopped
    Season the prawns with the spices, garlic and salt. Place a pan over a high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Sear the prawns on both sides until pink. Add the butter and toss to coat. Set aside.Make the dressing by whisking the ingredients together. Marinate the fennel in the dressing for 15 minutes.To make the salad, arrange the watercress and rocket on a large serving platter, top with the fennel, naartjies, avocado and dressing, and sprinkle with the chopped almonds.Serve with the prawns.

    NB: You will get a similar finish from using mandarines, tangerines or oranges.

    Keyword fennel, naartjie, prawns

    READ MORE: Pepper-Crusted Tuna And Salad

    Benefits of adding fruits to your salads

    Looking to spruce up your same old routine salads? Look no further than adding fruits. When combined with other fresh, seasonal produce fruit such as berries, cherries, figs, melons, berries, mangoes, peaches, nectarines, plums and your other favourites result in vibrant creations that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. Plus, fruits introduce a natural sweetness and new textures to your salad – sans dressings or processed sugars, helping you elevate your salads to next-level nutritious.  

    About Harvest Table

    Harvest Table: A Culinary Journey Through the Wine Regions of France, Italy, Spain and South Africa

    Chef Monchè Muller’s book blossomed from a casual conversation about good food and wine into a much-loved project that tells many magnificent stories about ingredients, communities, local producers and the people behind Oddo Vins et Domaines wines. The recipes, some traditional and some curated especially for this book, are an ode to some culinary regions in France, Italy, Spain and our very own South Africa.

    You may also like these recipes: More

  • in

    What Are Tissue Salts And What Do They Do for You?

    With the pressures of fast-paced living, stress and less-than-perfect nutrition, it’s no surprise that our bodies sometimes feel out of sync. Add the constant battle against bacteria, viruses, pollution and injury, and you’ve got a recipe for cellular chaos. Our bodies work hard to stay balanced, often using up essential minerals faster than we can replace them through diet. That’s where Natura Tissue Salts come in—a natural and gentle way to help restore your bounce and boost your well-being.

    What Are Tissue Salts?

    Developed in the 19th century by Dr. Wilhelm Schüssler, tissue salts are small doses of 12 essential minerals that help correct imbalances and support healthy cellular function. These salts work by enhancing nutrient absorption, which in turn supports overall health.

    Why Your Cells Need Tissue Salts

    Your cells are crucial to keeping your body running smoothly, but when they’re lacking essential nutrients, they can’t perform at their best. Tissue salts help replenish these nutrients, improving nutrient absorption and helping your cells function optimally.

    Benefits and Usage

    Tissue salts provide essential nutrients to your cells, helping to maintain overall health. Available in small, easy-to-dissolve tablets made from a lactose base, they’re convenient and effective. For immediate concerns, take a dose every half hour; for long-term issues, once or twice a day is usually enough.

    The 12 Tissue Salts

    Calc Fluor: Think of this as your elasticity buddy – keeping your tissues strong and flexible.

    Calc Phos: The bone and teeth superstar, crucial for growing kids and anyone recovering from illness.

    Calc Sulph: Your go-to for clear, glowing skin.

    Ferrum Phos: The immune booster that’s perfect for fighting inflammation.

    Kali Mur: Say goodbye to mucus and phlegm with this congestion reliever.

    Kali Phos: The nerve-soothing champion that helps with stress and fatigue.

    Kali Sulph: Keeps your skin and mucous membranes in top shape.

    Mag Phos: A lifesaver for muscle pains and cramps, especially for athletes.

    Nat Mur: Balances moisture levels and supports emotional well-being.

    Nat Phos: Your stomach’s best friend, keeping acidity at bay.

    Nat Sulph: Supports liver function and helps eliminate excess water.

    Silicea: The body’s natural cleanser, flushing out unwanted materials.

    Trusted by Natura

    Natura has been a trusted provider of tissue salts since 1966. Their products come in handy purple glass bottles, perfect for tossing in your bag or pocket. Each bottle has 125 tablets, enough for a month’s supply if taken daily. Natura Tissue Salts are suitable for all ages and easy to administer due to their pleasant taste.

    A Word on Lactose Intolerance

    If you’re considering Natura Tissue Salts for their incredible health benefits, it’s important to know they are made with a lactose base. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

    For further information on the Natura Tissue Salts range, please visit the Natura website. 

    **WH Partnership More

  • in

    Try This Easy One Pot Chicken, Basil And Tomato Orzo Recipe For Dinner Tonight

    Winter is on its way out, but our hunger for cosy, comforting meals isn’t going anywhere. Our friends at Krazy Kiwi Kookbox have delivered the perfect comfort dish with their Chicken, Basil & Tomato One Pot Orzo recipe. And here’s the kicker: you only need one pot! We’re all about the convenience of whipping up a delicious, flavour-packed meal in minutes while cutting down on cleanup. Total win, right?

    Reasons Why We Love Cooking With Orzo

    It’s a versatile grain: Orzo can be used in soups, salads, casseroles, or as a main dish, making it a kitchen staple.

    Low in fat: Orzo is naturally low in fat, making it a lighter choice for comfort food.

    Quick to cook: Cooks in about 10 minutes, perfect for quick meals.

    Chicken, Basil & Tomato One Pot Orzo Recipe

    This recipe is hitting all the right spots with this classic combination of ingredients.

    Chicken, Basil & Tomato One Pot Orzo

    Krazy Kiwi Kookbox

    The team at Krazy Kiwi Kookbox have put together the perfect Winter Warmer Comfort food recipe that is not only easy to make but hits exactly the right spot.

    Course Main Course

    200g orzo400g deboned chicken thighs50g butter15ml olive oil1 garlic clove500ml chicken stock100ml dry white wine150g cherry tomatoes1 tin crushed tomatoes10ml dried mixed herbs2ml red pepper flakes20g basil50g cream cheese50g parmesansalt and pepper
    Heat a deep pan to medium-high heat with a dash of oil.Season the chicken with pepper and half the mixed herbs.Add the chicken to the hot pan and fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once. Transfer the chicken to a plate and return the pan to heat.Add the garlic and cherry tomatoes and fry for 2 minutes. Shake the pan often to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Transfer the tomatoes to the plate with the chicken.Return the pan to medium heat and add the butter, remaining mixed herbs, red pepper flakes and the orzo.Fry the orzo for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.Place the chicken into the pan and add the crushed tomatoes and white wine.Rinse the tin with stock and pour into the pan.Stir to lift any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan.Add the remaining stock and stir once. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender, but not mushy.Stir in the cream cheese and cherry tomatoes.Shred the basil leaves and add to the pot.Top with grated parmesan and season with more pepper if necessary.

    Keyword pasta

    More Recipes To Try: More

  • in

    Delicious Grilled Whole Aubergines Recipe With Bruschetta

    Let’s face it: every time you buy an aubergine, you already know you need it for some recipe, right? It’s not exactly a staple like tomatoes or potatoes. But we’re here to open your world: this grilled whole aubergine recipe is going to blow. your. mind. And, it’ll probably become a new staple, since so damn delicious.

    Might we add that it happens to be vegan and goes perfectly on the braai menu? Vegetarians and braais typically don’t go well together, but your picky vegan mates will love you for this tasty alternative to the giant mushroom. Lose the bruschetta and this grilled whole aubergine becomes a healthy side attraction to a meaty main. Or, just make it all winter long. No judgement.

    READ MORE: What Is The 30 Plants Per Week Challenge?

    Benefits of Aubergine

    First off, get ready to have your world rocked: aubergine, by biological definition, is not a vegetable at all, but a berry.

    Now that we’ve sufficiently shifted your reality, let’s look at how good this plant can be for your bod. It’s high in fibre and low in calories, making it a great addition to salads, stews and basically anything else you can chuck into a pot. They’re also high in antioxidants which fight off free radicals in the body – the stuff causing things like ageing and other nasties. Also, the fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants in eggplants all support heart health. And when it comes to the skin, leave it on and eat it: nasunin, an anthocyanin in eggplant skin, is great for brain health.

    READ MORE: 5 High-Carb Fruits—And How Adding Protein Or Fat Helps Blood Sugar

    Delicious Grilled Whole Aubergines With Bruschetta

    This anytime recipe is not only a great addition to your five-a-day, but it feels like comfort food, too.

    Cook Time 20 minutes mins

    Course Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish, Snack, StarterCuisine Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

    Servings 6Calories 339 kcal

    6 Medium aubergines (or one per person)Olive oil Fresh lemon juiceSea salt Milled black pepper For the bruschetta1 loaf Ciabatta, slicedOlive oil1 head Garlic, halved
    Prick the aubergines and grill on the braai (or wherever) until charred outside and meltingly soft inside.To make the bruschetta, brush the sliced bread with olive oil, then toast over the coals. Remove and smear with the halved head of garlic.To serve, slash a cross on top of each aubergine, squash the sides to open and flavour with olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning of choice.

    This recipe calls for large amounts of olive oil, which ups your total fat content, although saturated fat remains low. To reduce total fat, simply use less oil.

    Keyword air fryer, braai, comfort food, Easy Meals, Healthy Recipes, Loadshedding-Friendly, No-Cook Recipes, Vegan

    Try something new! More

  • in

    43 Protein-Packed Chicken Variations Every Fit Girl Will Love

    The humble, reliable chicken is protein-packed… but can get boring, fast. To the rescue, we’ve got a whopping 43 chicken variations to spice things up.

    Chomping on a skinless, boneless chicken breast gives you 23 muscle-building grams of protein for the bargain price of a single gram of saturated fat and 460kJ – and that brings you one step closer to tight abs and lean thighs. The problem? This omnipresent piece of poultry is… not that thrilling.

    The solution: 43 fabulous makeovers for your average chicken breast. Each mix uses just a few easy ingredients that are probably in your kitchen already, and none take longer than 25 minutes. Try a few. The next time you say something tastes like chicken, it’ll be a compliment.

    Image by Mariam Antadze on Pexels

    Epic stir-fried chicken variations

    The Basics

    For stir-fry, cut a raw chicken breast into bite-size pieces or thin strips. Cook it in a non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat until browned (three to five minutes). Add one of the following groups of ingredients – in the order listed – and cook for five more minutes, stirring frequently.

    Pick your flavour combos:

    Bell Pepper Mix: 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup green or red bell pepper strips; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

    Veggie Blend: 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/3 c matchstick carrots; 1/3 c chopped celery; 1 spring onion, sliced; 2 Tbsp chopped unsalted peanuts

    Asparagus and Cashew: 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 c asparagus tips; 2 Tbsp chopped unsalted cashews

    Sweet Lemon: 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/2 c mangetout; 1 c chopped celery

    Asian Broccoli: 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c (or more) chopped broccoli; 1/4 medium onion, cut lengthwise into long strips; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

    Hoisin Mangetout: 1 whisked egg; 1/2 c mangetout; 1/2 c green or red bell pepper strips; 1/4 onion, cut lengthwise into long strips; 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce

    Flavour tip:

    Sesame oil gives stir-fries a distinct flavour. Nutritionally, it’s similar to olive oil because it’s full of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. (Make sure you get plain, not toasted sesame oil.) But if you don’t have it, use canola or peanut oil, not olive, which goes up in smoke at high temperatures.

    READ MORE: This Cape Malay Stuffed Linefish Is Simple And Delicious

    Delish baked chicken variations

    The Basics

    Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and douse your chicken in sauce, rub it with spices, crust it with goodies or stuff it with savouries. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes.

    Sauce things up

    Watery baths like salsa will do just fine in the oven. But thicker sauces must be mixed with water or stock or you’ll be left with sticky, blackened char. Use a small baking dish with raised sides to keep the meat swimming.

    Fiesta: 1/3 cup salsa

    Italian: 2 Tbsp marinara sauce, 2 Tbsp water

    Honey Mustard: 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 Tbsp honey, 1 tsp olive oil

    Spiced Up: 3 Tbsp chicken stock; 1 Tbsp mustard; 1 clove garlic, crushed

    Cream of Mushroom: 2 Tbsp condensed mushroom soup, 2 Tbsp water

    Pesto: 2 Tbsp pesto, 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium chicken stock

    Sweet and Sour: 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 c crushed pineapple with juice

    Coconut Curry: 3 Tbsp chicken stock, 2 Tbsp light coconut milk, 1/4 tsp curry powder

    Apple Glaze: 1/3 c chicken stock, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 Tbsp apple juice

    Herbed Citrus: 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp orange marmalade, 1/4 tsp rosemary

    Rubbed recipes

    Rub these mixtures evenly over each breast, then coat with cooking spray.

    Chilli Covered: 1/4 tsp each garlic powder, chilli powder, black pepper and oregano; salt to taste

    Tri-Herb Rub: 1/4 tsp each dried basil, rosemary and thyme; salt and pepper to taste

    READ MORE: 6 Delicious Winter Soup Recipes – Plus Sides!

    Crusted bakes

    Crack an egg into a shallow bowl, whisk it, dip the chicken in it, and then roll the chicken in a plate of one of these coatings:

    Nut Covered: 1/3 c finely chopped nuts

    Italian Topped: 1 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 Tbsp Italian breadcrumbs, a pinch of black pepper

    Faux Fried: 1/2 c crushed corn or bran flakes

    Stuffed chicken ideas

    Pound the daylights out of your chicken breast with a meat tenderiser until it’s uniformly thin. Then arrange any of the following ingredients on the breast, roll it up and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

    Ham and Cheese: 1 slice Cheddar cheese, 2 slices deli ham, 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Stromboli: 1 slice mozzarella cheese; 3 slices pepperoni; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

    Pizza: 1 slice mozzarella; 1/4 c chopped tomatoes; 3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

    Spinach Stuffed: 1 small handful baby spinach leaves, chopped; 1 Tbsp blue-cheese crumbles; 1 clove garlic, crushed

    Deli Style: 1 slice mozzarella, 1 slice salami, 1 Tbsp chopped roasted red pepper

    Sun-dried Tomato: 1 1/2 Tbsp low-fat ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 tsp oregano

    Mediterranean: 1 1/2 Tbsp low-fat ricotta cheese, 1 Tbsp diced olives, 1/4 tsp lemon zest

    Parmesan Pesto: 1 Tbsp pesto, 1 Tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Flavour tip:

    To lock in juices, sear the breast in a hot pan for one to two minutes per side before baking.

    READ MORE: This Healthy Cauliflower Risotto Is A Winter Dream

    Image by Gerald Jake Abangan on Pexels

    Grilled chicken variations

    The Basics

    Soak the chicken in these marinades for at least an hour. Heat a grill or place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat on the stove. Cook for three to five minutes per side.

    Booze Infused: 2 Tbsp bourbon, 1 tsp deli-style mustard, 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Sweet Booze Infused: 2 Tbsp bourbon; 1 tsp honey; 1 clove garlic, crushed

    White Wine Dressed: 2 Tbsp white wine; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/4 tsp thyme

    Rich and Creamy: 2 Tbsp plain yoghurt, 1/4 tsp dill

    Curry Cream: 2 Tbsp plain yoghurt, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp curry powder

    Margaritaville: 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp coriander

    Cumin and Lime: 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

    Lemon Zest: 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Balsamic Herb: 2 Tbsp vinaigrette, 1/4 tsp rosemary

    Ginger Spiced: 2 Tbsp orange juice, 1/4 tsp powdered ginger, 1/4 tsp coriander

    O-juiced: 2 Tbsp orange juice, 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

    Soda Popped: 2 Tbsp Coca-Cola, 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Red Pepper Pop: 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

    Hawaiian Punch: 2 Tbsp pineapple juice; 1 clove garlic, crushed; 1/4 tsp black pepper

    Flavour tip

    Mix the marinade ingredients well in a resealable plastic bag, drop in the chicken, seal, shake and refrigerate. More

  • in

    This Cape Malay Stuffed Linefish Is Simple And Delicious

    Yes: this Cape Malay stuffed linefish might take more time to prepare than a salad or two-minute noodles. But! We can assure you it’s going to taste a whole lot better. Cape Malay curry spice adds a flavourful punch. And, it’s packed with antioxidant-rich turmeric, cumin and nutmeg.

    Fresh lemon juice, vinegar and pickled peas add to your gut health. Plus, there’s a healthy dose of omegas from the fish. And, for bonus feel-good points, we recommend serving this at the next family lunch to impress everyone with your skills.

    About this recipe

    As always, when eating seafood and fish, make sure you eat sustainable fish. Not sure? Check out the WWF SASSI list, which details which fish are fine to eat. Carpenter, a popular linefish, is green on the list.

    This recipe calls for verjuice, but if you don’t have that on hand, you can make an alternative. All you’ll need is good-quality white wine vinegar and four tablespoons of sugar (or your sweetener of choice).

    And, if you can’t get your hands on Cape Malay curry paste, you can substitute it for Thai yellow curry paste.

    Cape Malay Stuffed Linefish

    Indulge in this delectable Cape Malay stuffed linefish recipe from award-winning Chef Monché Muller’s book Harvest Table: A Culinary Journey Through The Wine Regions Of France, Italy, Spain And South Africa.

    Cape Malay Seafood-stuffed Linefish with Pickled Pea Salsa

    Chef Monché Muller

    This feel-good dish is packed with gut-healthy ingredients and feels like comfort food.

    Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine South African

    Servings 6

    For the seafood stuffing250 g Calamari steaks cubed60 ml Olive oil 50 g Onion chopped200 g Prawn meat chopped2 Tbsp White wine3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice1 Tbsp Butter 20 g Sultanas chopped 60 ml Cream80 ml Cape Malay curry paste 50 g Japanese panko breadcrumbs toasted2-3 kg Firm white fish, butterflied traditionally, carpenter or hottentot Oil for brushing For the pickled peas250 ml Verjuice125 ml White wine vinegar2 Tbsp Sugar1 tsp Black peppercorns 250 g Raw, fresh peasFor the salsa100 g Jalapeños finely diced100 g Red onion finely diced10 g Coriander chopped250 g Peas blanched and lightly crushed (not mashed)2 Tbsp Verjuice2 Tbsp Olive oil to taste
    To make the seafood stuffing, boil the calamari for 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and allow to cool.Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion. Once translucent, add the calamari, prawn meat, wine, lemon juice, butter, sultanas, cream and curry paste. Simmer until the liquid has reduced slightly.Use a hand blender to pulse the mixture into a coarse paste, then stir in the breadcrumbs.Stuff the butterflied fish with the seafood stuffing, then truss using kitchen string. Fry in hot oil until the skin starts to crisp.Preheat the oven to 180°C and place a tray large enough to hold the fish in the oven. Finish cooking the fish in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the flesh is white and flaky.To make the pickled peas, place the verjuice, vinegar, sugar and peppercorns in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour the hot liquid over the raw peas. Allow to cool, then drain the peas before using.To make the salsa, combine the jalapeños, red onion, coriander, crushed peas, pickled peas, verjuice and olive oil, and season to taste.Serve the salsa with the fish.

    You can use good-quality white wine vinegar instead of verjuice, but remember to add 4 Tbsp sugar. Add blanched mangetout or sugar-snap peas to spruce up the salsa. Instead of Cape Malay curry paste, you can use Thai yellow curry paste.

    Keyword comfort food, curry, dinner, fish, high-protein, lemon, low-carb, prawns

    Try these recipes next: More

  • in

    Unlocking Gut Health: The Power Of Probiotic Supplements According To A Medical Expert

    Trusting your gut feeling is encouraged if the situation is certain. However, when your gut health is anything but healthy, we recommend scrolling down to read more on how to remedy the situation. Here’s how to find the perfect probiotic to combat gut deficiencies. 

    Meet The Expert: Sam Swaine is a vitamin and supplements counsellor and founder of The Rebalance Lab. The lab provides a holistic approach to ageing and longevity.

    What Is Gut Health?

    Gut health is the health of your entire digestive system, including the microorganisms living in your digestive tract. When your gut is healthy, it can break down food, provide essential nutrients and support body systems with ease. If you have come across terms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), acid reflux disorder, gluten intolerance and more of this sort, this alludes to an unhealthy gut. To fight these off, look to probiotics and find the next addition for your supplement drawer. 

    READ MORE: What To Eat To Keep Your Gut Healthy And Your Skin Glowing

    What Are Probiotics?

    According to Sam Swaine, probiotics are living bacteria and yeasts that are good for our digestive system. Probiotics carry bacteria which many may think are harmful but on the contrary, the “germs” or bacteria are ‘good’ bacteria which, as Swaine illustrates, “…add to our existing supply of friendly microbes which also helps us fight infections and boosts our immunity.”

    For improved gut health, probiotics have been known to “…improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, help manage diarrhoea, boost the immune system and help maintain your microbiome or get it back in balance after it’s been disturbed.”

    “A good probiotic is allergen-free and doesn’t trigger any food sensitivities or upset your digestive system.”

    Probiotic Supplements Recommended For Gut Health

    “When choosing a probiotic, it’s important to look at Colony Forming Units (CFUs). This measures the number of active microorganisms found in a serving of probiotics. It is recommended that a probiotic taken for general gut health should have at least 10-20 billion CFUs according to research” says Swaine.

    Bifidobacteria

    It helps support the immune system and limit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine. They also help digest fibre and assist in producing important vitamins that the body needs.

    Lactobacillus

    It is a variety of bacteria that produces lactase – the enzyme that breaks down lactose, or milk sugar. These bacteria also produce lactic acid. Lactic acid helps control the population of bad bacteria and increases the body’s absorption of minerals. 

    Helpful tip by Swaine: always read the ingredients on the bottle of your probiotic, choose a brand that is transparent about the probiotic strains in their supplement and all the additional ingredients you’ll find in their product.

    Who Should Not Take Probiotic Supplements?

    “Probiotics are generally safe, but you should always consult a healthcare specialist before taking any supplement,” says Swaine. Although probiotics are recommended here is a list of people Swaine advises to hold off the probiotics.

    People with weakened immune systems taking immunosuppressant drugs.

    People with critical and chronic illnesses. 

    People who have just had surgery as their immune system is compromised. 

    People with severe food allergies

    People with preexisting gastrointestinal disorders.

    READ MORE: “I Drank Kombucha Every Day For 10 Days — It Was Amazing”

    Healthy Habits You Should Consider To Accommodate The Probiotics

    Recommendations by our expert, Sam, on how to help you “maintain a happy and balanced gut.”

    Avoid processed foods and foods high in sugar as these foods decrease the amount of “good” bacteria and diversity in your gut.

    Eat a diet that is rich in fermented foods, these contain a natural source of probiotics.

    Examples include yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, and tempeh. 

    Drinks like kombucha are also a great source of probiotics, and speaking of drinks, keeping hydrated with water is crucial for a healthy gut.

    Eat high-fibre foods. 

    Look to collagen-rich foods like bone broth.

    Find foods that are rich in polyphenols (plant compounds supporting beneficial gut bacteria) such as blueberries, plums, cherries, apples, strawberries, black currants, black olives, dark chocolate, black tea, coffee, hazelnuts, and pecan nuts.

    Good quality sleep.

    Regular exercise.

    Manage stress levels. 

    Words by: Lesego Kgatle More