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    3 Delicious And Easy Recipes To Help Slash Your Sugar Intake

    South Africans just can’t get enough of hoovering up the white stuff for a boost of energy, but while we know that sugar (what else would we be talking about?) can be detrimental to your teeth, waistline and gut, little attention is paid to the knock-on effects that can pose for your vital organs.

    South Africans are estimated to consume up to 24 teaspoons of sugar per day—double the daily WHO recommendation.

    According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health report:

    Excess sugar intake, from sugar added to food products and especially sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), is considered a major contributor to excess weight and obesity in adults and children [1,2]. Excess weight and obesity are associated with the steady rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and various cancers.

    Local Ingredients We Recommend

    Ideal for baking and cooking, we’ve sourced a few local products to elevate your recipe.

    Nomu Cocoa Powder

    Buttanutt 100% Peanut Butter

    70 % Cocoa Dark Chocolate Drops 200 g

    Here are 3 delish recipes to help you reduce your sugar intake:

    Double-Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    All the sweet notes with hidden veggies. Let’s bake!

    Course Dessert

    Servings 12 people

    2 cups white whole-wheat flour 225g1/4 cup cocoa powder 25g2 tbsp ground flaxseeds1/2 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp baking powder1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon1/2 tsp ground nutmeg1/2 tsp salt1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt 118ml1/3 cup coconut sugar 48g1/3 cup mild olive oil or canola oil 59ml1/4 cup maple syrup 59ml2 large eggs1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract2 cups grated zucchini 250g1/3 cup dark chocolate chips 60g
    Preheat oven to 180°C. Coat a 23 x 13cm loaf pan or a 20cm x 20cm baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into a large bowl.In another bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, oil, yoghurt, maple syrup, eggs and extract. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined (with a few traces of flour still present). Add the zucchini and chocolate chips and stir to combine.Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and flatten the top with a rubber spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean, about 45 minutes for a loaf pan and 30 minutes for a 20cm x 20cm baking pan. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and invert onto a cooling rack. Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to four days.

    Keyword chocolate

    High-Protein Chicken Salad

    High in protein and a great option to meal prep for your family.

    Course Salad

    Servings 6 people

    450g cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded  about 4 cups shredded1/2 cup diced red onion about 1/2 medium red onion or 60g1/2 cup diced apple about 1/2 small apple or 75g100g quartered or halved grapes 2/3 cup165g plain 2% fat Greek yoghurt 2/3 cup2 tbsp  freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste1/2 tsp garlic powderSalt and pepper, to taste12 slices slices of whole grain bread6 medium lettuce leaves
    In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, red onion, apple, grapes, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.Using a 3/4 cup measuring scoop, portion out the chicken salad. Serve with a lettuce leaf and 2 slices of whole grain bread.

    Keyword chicken, salad

    5-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

    Ideal for that 3pm slum. These easy to make peanut butter cups are simply delicioys.

    85g  all-natural peanut butter, or nut butter of your choice 1/3 cup1 tbsp plain or vanilla collagen peptide powder1 1/2 tsp honey1 tsp vanilla extract255g 70% dark chocolate, chopped
    Line a 12-well muffin tin with paper liners and set aside In a small bowl combine the peanut butter, collagen powder, honey and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Set aside in the fridgePlace the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on 60% power in 1-minute increments, stirring between cooking times, until all the chocolate has melted, or 3–4 minutes. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a metal bowl set over a pot with a few centimetres of simmering water on the stove, stirring until smooth. (Be sure not to get any steam or water in the chocolate or it will seize.)Spoon about 1 tsp of the chocolate into the paper liners, spreading the chocolate to the edges. Using a 1/2 tsp measure, put a heaping spoonful of the peanut butter mixture in the centre of each muffin cup. Spoon the remaining chocolate over the peanut butter, about 2 tsp per muffin cup.Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 4 hours.Remove the peanut butter cups (still in their liners) from the muffin tin and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

    You can also read about What Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar, According To Nutritionists

    The post 3 Delicious Recipes To Help Slash Your Sugar Intake And Boost Your Heart Health appeared first on Women’s Health. More

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    This Tinned Tuna Nicoise Salad Is The Ultimate Quick Dinner Or Work Lunch

    Whether it’s a Monday, following a weekend of errands, or it’s just been a long week, sometimes the urge to get creative in the kitchen goes MIA. That’s why this tinned tuna recipe is great — minimal prep, maximum nutrition and flavour. Talk about #BowlGoals…

    “This is definitely a workday lunch solution waiting to happen. Make it in a lunchbox like this: potatoes, beans, tomatoes first, then herb thickener. Top with tuna mix, then the lettuce and a whole egg. If you do it in this order, the lettuce will stay crisp,” explains Lucy Tweed, creator of this recipe and author of Every Night Of The Week.

    READ MORE: 3 No-Cook Lunch Recipes You Can Make During Load Shedding

    What To Do Instead Of Spending Hours In The Kitchen Tonight

    This recipe is so quick and easy, you can devote the time you would’ve spent preparing dinner (and lunch) to get mindful instead. Research has found that 30 minutes of meditation a day is enough to stave off anxiety and depression.

    READ MORE: This Simple Freezer-Friendly Pulled Pork Tortilla Recipe Is Perfect For Meal Prep

    Tinned Tuna Nicoise Salad Recipe

    Whether it’s a Monday, following a weekend of errands, or it’s just been a long week, sometimes the urge to get creative in the kitchen goes MIA. That’s why this tinned tuna recipe is great — minimal prep, maximum nutrition and flavour. Talk about #BowlGoals…“This is definitely a workday lunch solution waiting to happen. Make it in a lunchbox like this: potatoes, beans, tomatoes first, then herb thickener. Top with tuna mix, then the lettuce and a whole egg. If you do it in this order, the lettuce will stay crisp,” explains Lucy Tweed, creator of this recipe.

    Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 7 mins

    Course SaladCuisine French

    Servings 4 people

    1 Pot1 Salad Bowl
    3 Tbsp Herb thickenerTuna Mix2 185g tins tuna in oil, drained3 Tbsp Flat-leaf parsley, chopped3-4 Tbsp Gherkins pickled with dill, chopped2 Tbsp Red onion, finely chopped2 tsp 2 tsp Baby capers, chopped3 Tbsp Dill, chopped1 Tbsp Olive oil1 Tbsp Lemon juiceSea salt and freshly ground black pepperSalad8 Baby potatoes, boiled in very salty water until tender, then sliced250 grams Green beans, tails trimmed, blanched4 Whole Tomatoes, sliced4 Boiled eggs, peeled and halved lengthways2 Baby cos lettuces, trimmed, washed and quartered
    Boil your eggs and potatoes. 7-minute eggs work well at sea level; add a minute or 2 if you’re on the Highveld (seriously, altitude impacts your boiled eggs). Drain, cool and peel eggs; slice eggs and potatoes.For the tuna mix, combine all the ingredients in a bowl.Same for the salad ingredients.Divide the salad and tuna mix among four bowls and drizzle with the herb thickener.

    Keyword fish, healthy, salad

    Kelleigh Korevaar

    Kelleigh is the Managing Editor of Women’s Health. When she’s not convincing her colleagues to try the latest TikTok trends, you can find her planning a holiday that never leaves the group chat, binge-reading or eating her way through Cape Town. More

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    You Need To Try This Easy Air-Fryer Milk Tart Recipe ASAP

    Air-fryers and South Africans go together like peanut butter and jam. And while you’re probably used to making crispy sweet potato fries or delicious chicken schnitzels, we’ve bet you’ve never tried making a milk tart. Well, that’s all about to change with this milk tart recipe.

    3 Air-Fryer Essentials Recommended By Us

    Living by myself, an air-fryer like this has completely replaced my oven. I use it every day!

    The most difficult part about using an air-fryer? The clean up process, of course. Not any more.

    If you’re just thinking of getting into air-fryer cooking, you can’t go wrong with one like this.

    READ MORE: This South African Vegetarian Recipe Makes The Perfect Movie Night Snack

    This milk tart recipe comes to you straight from The South African Air Fryer Cookbook by Louis Holst. This cookbook features mouth-watering local favourites like bobotie, apricot snoek with sweet potato, boerewors with chakalaka, paptert, and malva pudding. This essential collection of scrumptious South African recipes will help you make the most of your air fryer, make life a little easier and dinner time a lot tastier. Order it while you’re waiting for your milk tart to cool and thank us later when you’re nailing the SA recipes with ease.

    Air-fryer Milk Tart Recipe

    Here’s the air-fryer version of South Africa’s favourite tea-time treat.

    Prep Time 30 minsCook Time 1 hr

    Course DessertCuisine South African

    Servings 8

    1 air-fryer1 15cm pie tin
    1 roll Ready-made shortcrust pastryFilling600 ml Full-cream milk 2 Cinnamon sticks6 Cardamom pods100 ml Castor sugar (90g)65 ml Cake flour (35g)20 ml Cornflour1 pinch Salt45 ml Butter (40g)3 Eggs, large5 ml Vanilla essenceGround cinnamon or cinnamon sugar, to serve
    Grease a 15cm pie tin. Unroll the pastry onto a lightly floured surface and roll out lightly so it is a little thinner. Cut out a circle to line the pie tin, and large enough to allow a little excess pastry to hang over the sides slightly. Place the pastry into the pie dish and prick the base a few times with a fork. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.Preheat the air fryer to 160 °C. Put the pie tin into the basket and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is firm and a light golden colour. Remove from the air fryer and cool. Use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the excess pastry to leave a neat edge.For the filling, heat the milk with the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. In a bowl, stir the sugar, flour, cornflour and a pinch of salt together and set aside. Bring the milk to the boil, then reduce the heat and add the sugar and flour mixture, whisking well to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes until thickened. Remove the cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Add the butter. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.Pour the filling into the prepared crust and cook in the preheated air fryer at 160 °C for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set, but still slightly wobbly. Set aside to cool.Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve sprinkled with cinnamon or cinnamon sugar.

    Keyword dessert

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    You Have To Make This Protein-Packed Shandong Chicken Recipe Tonight

    “Every comfort food dish in every country ultimately comes down to carbs’ n’ sauce,” says Lucy Tweed, author of cookbook Every Night Of The Week. And this Shandong Chicken recipe has this in spades.

    But beyond the carbs n’ sauce you’ll also need protein. Luckily, it doesn’t matter what size chicken you choose so go with what you have, but Lucy tends to veer towards 1.2 kg that she prepares herself. And if you’re up for it, you’ll be doing that too.

    “I like to think that appreciating the food we eat extends beyond simply knowing an ingredient to the handling of it (although I grew up on a working farm so I have had the benefit of experience from a young age). But if it’s not for you, just ask your butcher to do this for you,” says Lucy.

    READ MORE: Umm, These Vegan Pizzas Might Even Taste Better Than The Real Thing

    Make The Most Of Your Meal Prep

    Whether you decide to handle the chicken yourself or you get your butcher to do it for you, we’re going to help you make the most of your meal prep.

    Play one of these podcasts while your chicken cooks in the oven — and learn some mindful strategies while finishing off your meal. Master chef or mindful chef?

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

    The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos offers science-based strategies for enhancing happiness and wellbeing. Their “Burnout and How to Avoid It” episode is 39 minutes long; just in time to hear your oven timer go off!

    Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

    This podcast is for anyone who wants to become more self-aware and silence their negative self-talk. Check out the 35-minute episode “Brené with Karen Walrond on Accessing Joy and Finding Connection in the Midst of Struggle.”

    On Purpose with Jay Shetty Podcast

    This podcast features interviews with some of the most insightful people in the world. “Gwyneth Paltrow Interviews Jay Shetty ON: Daily Actions to Build Life-Changing Habits & Training Your Mind to Break Old Patterns” is a must-hear!

    READ MORE: The Flavourful Chicken Club Salad Recipe You Need In Your Life Right Now

    Shandong Chicken Recipe

    “Every comfort food dish in every country ultimately comes down to carbs’ n’ sauce,” says Lucy Tweed, author of cookbook Every Night of the Week and creator of this recipe. And beyond the carbs n’ sauce you’ll also need protein; it doesn’t matter what size chicken you choose, but Lucy tends to veer towards 1.2 kg.

    Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 45 mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Chinese

    Servings 6 people

    1 Saucepan1 Deep Baking Dish1 Frying Pan
    1 Whole Chicken, spine removed and pressed flat* you can ask your butcher to do this for youSauce125 ml Soy sauce3 Tbsp Honey5 cm Knob of ginger, peeled and left whole3 Whole Spring onions, white parts roughly chopped, green tops reserved for garnish1 Whole Onion, quartered3 Tbsp Chinese black vinegar1 Tbsp Chilli bean paste1 Tbsp Chicken stock powderNoodles2 Tbsp Olive oil2 Bunches Water spinach, cut into 10cm pieces6 Whole Garlic cloves, sliced500 gram Fresh rice noodles (or use dry noodles cooked according to the packet instructions)1 Tbsp Sesame oil
    Preheat the oven to 200°C.Finely slice the green spring onion tops lengthways or on a very sharp angle and put in a glass of iced water so they curl up. Completely unnecessary when it comes to flavour but such a fun accessory.Warm all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan with 125ml water.Put the chicken in a deep baking dish lined with baking paper and pour the sauce over the top.Place in the oven for 45 minutes (and put on a podcast). Lucy puts a piece of foil over hers at about 25 minutes because the skin can really take that self tan look too far! Not tight, just literally rest the foil on the top. Untucked.While that’s happening, get the noodles ready. In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the oil and cook the spinach and garlic slivers until the garlic just starts to brown. You can use ordinary spinach as a substitute but it isn’t as silky in texture.Add the rice noodles and 3 tablespoons water to loosen them. Toss this well and dress with the sesame oil.Cut the chicken into pieces to serve. (The hardest bit is the thigh bone but you can leave this part whole if you like. Everything else you can snip at the joint.)Slice the now candied ginger to serve on top, along with the curly green tops of the spring onions.

    Keyword chicken, dinner, healthy More

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    The Only Loaded Nachos Recipe You’ll Ever Need

    Summer nights are for fun food. And this recipe has that in scoop. This is definitely a “do try this at home” kinda dish and once you’ve made it once, you’ll never want to try another loaded nachos recipe again.

    Best part? We’re well aware most people would’ve already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions or goals. And we’re here to help you get back on the right track (or even find a new goal). Without taking more of your precious time.

    You Can “Read” While You Make This Loaded Nachos Recipe

    If you promised you’d read more this year but have found your bookshelf doing little more than collecting dust, this is for you. Meet your new BFF — Blinkist. This app condenses non-fiction books into 15-minute audiobooks. So, you’ll be able to get at least one or two in while nailing this nachos recipe. Reading challenge, sorted!

    READ MORE: This Beetroot Chocolate Cake Is So Moist It Doesn’t Even Need Icing

    Beef & Bean Loaded Nachos Recipe

    Loaded nachos are one of those dishes so delicious you can’t really choose a stand out ingredient. Between the guac, cheese, chips, beans, meat and more, with every layer you add, the more moreishs it becomes.This loaded nachos recipe might be the exception, though. The star of this show is the cheese. It’s a souped-up béchamel — saucy, stretchy and delicious. You’ll never want to make nachos any differently after trying this recipe.

    Prep Time 10 minsCook Time 30 mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine Mexican

    Servings 6 people

    1 Frying Pan1 Oveproof Dish
    1 tbsp Olive oil1 kg Beef mince1 tbsp Dried oregano2 tsp Ground cumin2 tsp Smoked paprika1 tsp Ground coriander1 Onion, chopped3 Garlic cloves, crushed1 tbsp Tomato paste (concentrated puree)400 g Tin black beans, drained and rinsed400 g Tin chopped tomatoes2 tbsp Sea salt100 g Corn chipsBig dollop of sour creamCheese Sauce500 ml Béchamel sauce mix125 ml Milk200 g Grated cheddar125 g Grated mozzarellaGuacamole3 Small avocados, roughly choppedJuice of 1 limet tsp Sea salt1 tbsp Spring onion, green part only, chopped1 tbsp Coriander, chopped1 tbsp Pickled jalapeño, choppedTomato Salsa2 Roma tomatoes, chopped1 Golden shallots, chopped1 tbsp Olive oil1 tsp Red wine vinegar1 tsp Sea salt1 tsp SugarOptional IngredientsA margarita Although this could be classed as essential
    Preheat the oven to 180°C. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat and brown the mince for 5 minutes or so, breaking up any large lumps as you go.Add the spices, onion and garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until the onion has softened.Add the tomato paste, black beans and tinned tomatoes. Half-fill the tomato tin with water and swish it around, then add to the pan. Season with the salt.Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes so it reduces a bit. Meanwhile, for the cheese sauce, make the béchamel, adding the milk slowly until the sauce is smooth. Fold in the grated cheese until melted and combined. Mmmm.Transfer the mince mixture to an ovenproof dish and nestle the corn chips on top.Drop spoonfuls of cheese sauce over the meat and corn chips.Bake for 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.While that’s happening, make the guacamole by combining all the ingredients in a bowl.Ditto for the tomato salsa.Eat the nachos with the guacamole, tomato salsa and sour cream.

    Keyword beef, mexican dish, nachos More

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    This Vegetarian Recipe Makes The Perfect Movie Night Snack

    There are many ways to enjoy this Boland water plant. This Asian-inspired vegetarian snack recipe wins every day. Here’s what you need to know about the South African delicacy.

    What Is A Waterblommetjie?

    Waterblommetjies (literally water flowers) are native to the Western Cape and grow in ponds. They grow in winter so if you’re eating seasonally like Ilse Van Der Merwe, creator of this recipe and author or Simply Seasonal, reserve this recipe for the cold, wet months.

    But how are these flowers actually eaten, you ask? Well, the most common way to use waterblommetjies is in the ultimate comfort food; a bredie. The delicate and earthy flavour of these little plants balance out the rich, fatty flavour of the lamb in the stew to make a tummy-warming meal.

    READ MORE: Try This Trendy And Delicious Vegetarian Orzo Pasta Recipe Now

    The Ultimate South African Vegetarian Snack Recipe Ahead

    And although bredie has been waterblommetjies’ claim to fame for centuries, this vegetarian snack recipe is sure to put it on the map as crispy, saucy, proudly South African snack. Now, all that’s left is to choose what you’ll be binge-watching tonight.

    Waterblommetjie Tempura With Aïoli And A Soy Dipping Sauce Recipe

    Chef’s Note: The two dipping sauces are a must, but if you’re only going to make one sauce, make the soy and ginger one.We all love a good shortcut and if you need one this is it: you can also use store-bought ponzu sauce as is, as a substitute.Want more proudly South African recipes? Get a copy of Simply Seasonal by Ilse Van Der Merwe.

    Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 20 mins

    Course Appetizer, SnackCuisine South African

    Servings 6 people

    1 Blender1 Whisk1 Small mixing bowl1 Wide pot
    Aioli2 Egg yolks30 ml Lemon juice10 ml Dijon mustard1 Clove Garlic125 ml Canola oilSalt and pepperSoy Dipping Sauce45 ml Soy sauce45 ml Fresh lemon juice15 ml Finely grated fresh ginger2.5 ml Sesame oil1-2 Whole Spring onions, finely slicedWaterblommetjie Tempura500 grams Fresh waterblommetjies70 grams Cake flour60 grams Cornflour±180 ml Soda waterCanola oil, for deep fryingSalt and pepper, to taste
    For the aÏoli, blend the yolks, lemon juice, mustard and garlic in a small blender with an open spout (or tall cup with a stick blender) and season with salt and pepper. Add the oil in a thin stream while blending continuously, until a thick mayonnaise is achieved. Set aside.For the soy dipping sauce, whisk all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.For the tempura, rinse the waterblommetjies under running tap water, then bring about 1 cm of water to a simmer in a wide pot.Add the rinsed waterblommetjies, cover with a lid, and steam for 10 minutes. Remove from the pot and drain off the excess water. Set aside to cool slightly.In a mixing bowl, mix the cake flour and cornflour, season with salt and pepper and add the soda water. Mix with a fork or whisk – some lumps should remain.Heat 4–5cm of oil in a wide pot to 180°C (most of us don’t have a thermometer for this, so test a few drops of tempura batter to see if it sizzles). Dip each waterblommetjie into the batter to cover all sides, then place carefully into the oil. Fry in batches on both sides until golden (they won’t get very dark because of the cornflour) and fully cooked, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Serve hot, with the aÏoli and the soy dipping sauce on the side.

    Keyword starter, vegetarian More

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    This Dark Chocolate & Date Fudge Is The Perfect Healthy Treat

    This decadent twist on an old classic is bound to do the trick. This will be your go-to easy fudge recipe for anything from a date night or picnic with friends to a healthy treat for when the cravings hit.

    READ MORE: This Simple Freezer-Friendly Pulled Pork Tortilla Recipe Is Perfect For Meal Prep

    Dark Chocolate And Date Fudge Recipe

    This decadent, yet healthy dessert only has 4 grams of sugar and is the perfect treat for any occasion.

    Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 0 mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 64 servingsCalories 51 kcal

    1 Baking pan1 Food processor
    Non-stick cooking spray1 cup pitted Medjool dates1 tsp pure vanilla extract1/4 tsp kosher salt1 3/4 cup 70 percent dark chocolate, melted1/3 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned, and very roughly chopped1/4 tsp flaky salt
    Lightly spray a 20x20cm baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides; spray paper.Soak dates in boiling water for 10 min; reserve ½ cup liquid, drain, and transfer to a food processor along with vanilla extract and kosher salt.Add ¼ cup reserved liquid and puree, scraping down the sides and adding additional reserved liquid as necessary to blend, until smooth. Add chocolate and puree until smooth.Transfer mixture to the prepared pan, top with hazelnuts and ¼ tsp flaky salt. Refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours. Cut into 2.5cm squares. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Keyword chocolate, healthy

    *This article was originally published on Women’s Health US More

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    This Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder Recipe Is Perfect For A Special Occasion

    Got a dinner party on the cards? Maybe you’re having your family over? Or perhaps you just wanted to indulge with a delicious Sunday lunch (and use the leftovers for meal prep). This slow-roasted lamb shoulder recipe will be the star of any show and it’s pretty damn fuss-free.

    Need more motivation to make this meal? Here are 4 benefits of eating lamb:

    Lamb is rich source of high-quality protein (and we all love protein that packs a punch).

    It’s an amazing source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Now those are some seriously important vitamins and minerals.

    Eating lamb regularly may promote muscle growth, maintenance, and performance. So you can hit the gym hard and then eat this meal rest assured you’re fuelling yourself the right way.

    It helps prevent anaemia (and we all know how common it is for women to suffer from this). Now you can eat yourself healthier.

    Sold? We thought so. Now try this flavourful, melt-in-your-mouth lamb shoulder recipe below. Want more delicious recipe just like this one? Try out the cookbook Simply Seasonal by Ilse Van De Merwe.

    READ MORE: Try This Trendy And Delicious Vegetarian Orzo Pasta Recipe Now

    Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder On Herbed Couscous With Mint And Peas

    Lamb, mint and peas, they are a pretty solid trio you can rely on to deliver flavour in any recipe. This lamb is a great partner for the minted peas.Pro tip: Start the lamb early because it needs quite a few hours in the oven.

    Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 7 hrs 30 mins

    Course Main CourseCuisine French

    Servings 6 people

    1 Deep roasting tray
    ±12 Pickling onions, peeled but kept whole4–6 cloves Garlic, peeled but kept whole±2 kg Whole lamb shoulder5 ml Dried origanum250 ml Dry white wine250 ml Water500 ml Couscous500 ml Boiling water±30 ml Extra virgin olive oil250 grams Fresh or frozen peas10 ml ButterSalt and pepper, to taste20 grams Fresh mint, finely chopped (reserve some for topping)20 grams Fresh Italian parsley, finely choppedJuice and finely grated rind of a lemon
    For the lamb, preheat the oven to 220°C and place the onions and garlic in a large deep roasting tray. Place the lamb shoulder on top, scattering with origanum and seasoning with salt and pepper all over. Add the wine and water to the tray, then cover with a lid (or with foil). Roast for 30 minutes, then turn down the heat to 120°C and roast for another 6–7 hours until very tender and falling from the bone.About 30 minutes before the lamb is ready, place the couscous and boiling water in a bowl and season with salt. Cover with a lid or a plate and leave to steam for about 5 minutes. Fluff up the couscous with a fork, then add the mint and parsley, lemon juice and rind and olive oil. Stir well and add more salt if needed. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.Briefly cook the peas in boiling water and drain, then stir through the butter and season with salt and pepper. When the lamb is ready and completely fall-apart tender, transfer it with most of the pan juices (if the pan juices are too much, pour into a small jug and serve on the side) to a large serving platter along with the peas, scatter with a few whole mint leaves, and serve with the couscous on the side.

    Keyword dinner, lamb More