Spring has finally (thankfully!) sprung. The sun is beaming down in thick, bright yellow rays. The blasts of cold and sheets of rain are fading memories for a while. And fresh produce is available everywhere you look, which means it’s the perfect time to get into the kitchen or round the braai and rustle up some glorious food.
Here’s this month’s toybox of fresh ingredients for you to choose from:
Vegetables:
Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, beetroot, globe artichokes, leeks, onions, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, spinach, sweet potatoes, turnips and waterblommetjies
Fruit:
Bananas, figs, guavas, kiwis, naartjies, paw paw and strawberries
Herbs:
Basil, bay leaf, dill, chives, fennel, marjoram, mint, oreganum, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme
Take advantage of the magical mix available to you at this time of year. Bottle some fresh young beetroot or simply roast a few to add texture and colour to a salad – or what about a beetroot gazpacho? A fennel and orange salad would go down well, or throw together a simple roasted Rosa tomato and feta salad. For something ultra quick, add some fruit (figs or kiwis?) into your normal table salad or why not whip up a quick dessert of fat juicy strawberries and balsamic vinegar?
Don’t forget the braai – your outside kitchen is open for business again! Make some vegetable skewers for a delicious charcoal alternative to a salad. For afters, wrap some figs in a tinfoil parcel and grill on the braai. Unwrap the sizzling bundle, drizzle with honey and serve with Jersey milk ice-cream.
For summery drinks, keep it light and refreshing. Like a big jug of sparkling pink strawberry sangria with ice, mint leaves and strawberry slices floating on top. There are just too many lovely ideas, so go and experiment. Promise yourself to try something new and you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise!
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