In Cape Town, the winter season brings with it blustering rain and the lowest of temperatures throughout the day. It is this particular weather that provides us with that perfect opportunity to find innovative ways to keep us warm and cosy.
At Seasoned Journeys, we believe that wintertime definitely calls for thick woolly throws, knitted hot water bottle covers, endless mugs of your favourite hot chocolate and tipples of your most loved port. However, let’s not forget about those steaming plates of delicious and comforting food that we get to create and savour.
I love being in the kitchen, but when winter rolls around, it just adds that extra bit of twist to cooking up a wintry storm. So many winter vegetables are in abundance and readily available to be bought, stocked, chopped and cooked – but the humble butternut is always at the top of my shopping list this time of the year.
Not only is butternut a good source of fibre, potassium and other key ingredients – it is quite versatile as it can be prepared as a sweet or savoury dish. Tasty and moreish, it is also good to note that this vegetable is beneficial for aiding digestion and lowering blood pressure.
Below are two tried and tested dishes that I have made in the recent past, and let’s just say they were definite ‘home’ pleasers. I am quite sure they will be ‘crowd’ pleasers as well once we have the opportunity to cook for others after lockdown. Indulging in a home-cooked meal with family during the colder months literally warms us up from the inside out – so why not try out these two dishes.
Curried Butternut Soup
Serves 6 – 8
This soup is so quick and simple to put together. The boldness of the curry spice will enhance the flavour of the butternut with just the right amount of zing to warm you up from the inside. This can be served as is, but for a bit of indulgence, top it with a dollop of cream, chives and crispy bacon pieces (optional). Either way, serve it with a side of crusty bread.
Ingredients
Olive oil
1kg of butternut – cubed
1 large white onion – chopped
2 Tbsp of mild (or strong) curry powder
1 Tsp of crushed garlic
2 – 3 cubes of chicken or vegetable stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Heat olive oil in the medium sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Place chopped onions, garlic and curry powder into hot oil and sauté for about 8 minutes.
- Throw in butternut cubes and allow to sauté and soften for about 8 – 10 minutes. (The key here is to soften and sauté the butternut as long as you possibly can – stirring occasionally).
- Season generously with salt at this point.
- Throw in about 1.5 litres of water. (It is important to note to just about let the water cover the butternut. You do not want to fill the pot with water to the brim).
- Bring to boil for 10 – 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, put in 2 stock cubes, add the pepper, reduce heat and allow to simmer with the lid on for 20 – 30 minutes.
- After about 30 minutes, taste the broth and check whether it is seasoned to your liking. If not, add the 3rd stock cube and a bit more salt, if required.
- Let it simmer for 10 more minutes, adding more water if needed.
- Take pot off the heat and use a stick blender to blend to the consistency of your liking.
- Return to heat and simmer on a low heat for another 5 – 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Beautiful Butternut Bake
Serves 8 – 10
This bake is creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. This can be served as a side dish to accompany any meat from roast beef to crispy chicken and tender pork. For those who love the combination of sweet and savoury on one plate, this is a definite winner. For a bit of extra warmth and spiciness, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking in the oven.
Ingredients
5 cups of butternut (cooked and mashed)
125ml white sugar
125ml brown sugar
1 ¼ cup of self-raising flour
1 cup of cream
1 Tsp of baking powder
¼ cup of melted butter
4 eggs (beaten)
Method
- Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Line a baking dish with baking paper or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Place in baking dish, and bake for 1 hour until set.
So the next time you are craving a warming soup other than your usual, go-to chicken noodle soup or looking for a different, yet creamy dish to accompany your Sunday lunch – remember these two recipes. I am sure you can see just how easy these dishes are to make, and believe me, those around you will love it.
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