Family Dinner Recipes from the Heart of South Africa

Gather around the table and enjoy these delicious and comforting meals with your loved ones.

Appetizers to Start Your Family Feast

Image of a family enjoying a platter of biltong and droëwors
Biltong and Droëwors Platter

A classic South African appetizer. Thinly sliced, air-dried cured meat (biltong) and dried sausage (droëwors) are perfect for sharing and stimulate the appetite.

Ingredients: Biltong, Droëwors, optional: cheese, crackers, chutney.

Image of a table with a bowl of chakalaka dip and crusty bread
Chakalaka Dip with Crusty Bread

Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish often served as a condiment. Enjoy it as a dip with crusty bread for a flavorful start to your meal.

Ingredients: Canned beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers, curry powder, spices, bread.

Image of a bowl of butternut soup garnished with cream and herbs
Creamy Butternut Soup

A smooth and comforting soup made with roasted butternut squash, cream, and spices. A perfect warm-up for a family dinner on a cool evening.

Ingredients: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, cream, spices.

Main Courses for a Hearty Family Meal

Image of a pan of bobotie with golden crust, served with yellow rice and chutney
Bobotie – A South African Classic

Bobotie is a spiced minced meat dish baked with an egg-based topping. A comforting and flavorful dish that is a staple in South African homes. This recipe comes from Aunty Fatima's kitchen in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town.

Ingredients: Minced meat, bread, milk, onion, curry powder, turmeric, chutney, eggs.

Image of a pot of Durban curry with meat and potatoes, served with rice and roti
Durban Curry – Spicy and Flavorful

A rich and spicy curry originating from Durban, South Africa, typically made with meat and potatoes. Serve with rice and roti for a complete and satisfying meal. This version is adapted from a recipe shared by Chef Ravi at the Victoria Street Market.

Ingredients: Meat (lamb, chicken, or beef), potatoes, onions, tomatoes, curry powder, spices, chilies.

Image of a large potjiekos cooking over an open fire
Potjiekos – A True South African Feast

Potjiekos is a traditional South African stew cooked in a three-legged cast iron pot over an open fire. It's a communal cooking experience that brings families together. The recipe comes from a family in Gauteng who have been making potjiekos for generations.

Ingredients: Meat (lamb, beef, or chicken), vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions), stock, spices, herbs.

Image of braaied (barbecued) chicken and boerewors on a grill, surrounded by salads
Braaied Chicken and Boerewors – South African BBQ

No South African family gathering is complete without a braai (barbecue). Enjoy succulent braaied chicken and boerewors (farmer's sausage) with a variety of salads. The preparation is credited to Johan's Butchery in Stellenbosch.

Ingredients: Chicken pieces, boerewors, marinade, salads, rolls.

Desserts to Sweeten Your Family Dinner

Image of a slice of Malva Pudding with custard and apricot jam
Malva Pudding – A Sticky and Delicious Treat

Malva pudding is a spongy baked pudding with a caramelized texture and a rich, buttery sauce. Served warm with custard or ice cream, it's the perfect ending to a family meal. This recipe comes from Grandma Elsie's recipe book.

Ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, butter, vinegar, apricot jam, cream, custard.

Image of a bowl of Peppermint Crisp Tart with layers of biscuits, caramel, and peppermint crisp chocolate
Peppermint Crisp Tart – A No-Bake Delight

A simple yet delicious no-bake tart made with layers of tennis biscuits, caramel treat, whipped cream, and grated peppermint crisp chocolate. A crowd-pleaser for all ages. This is a simplified version often made at school bake sales in Johannesburg.

Ingredients: Tennis biscuits, caramel treat, whipped cream, peppermint crisp chocolate.

Image of a plate with Koeksisters, golden and covered in syrup
Koeksisters – Sweet and Sticky Pastries

Koeksisters are traditional South African pastries that are deep-fried and then soaked in a sweet, spiced syrup. They are sweet, sticky, and utterly irresistible. This recipe is from a small bakery in Mitchells Plain specializing in Cape Malay treats.

Ingredients: Flour, yeast, sugar, butter, cinnamon, ginger, syrup.