Table of contents for April 2024 in Meal-Solve

Hi Dear Readers! A Blessed Easter to All observing. To all Muslims observing the month long fast during Ramadan, we wish you well. To all Hindus celebrating several auspicious festivals during this time, we wish you many spiritual blessings. To all religious groups worldwide, may you receive Divine Blessings always! Do check out the Editorial on Easter in South Africa. We truly are a Rainbow Nation! I am neither of Christian nor Muslim faith , however, I was keen to understand the significance of certain traditions and specific foods associated with Easter, as well as Ramadan (culminating in the festival of Eid), hence I did a little research. (All information pertaining to Easter and Ramadan found within this publication has been reliably sourced.) In this Issue, we bring you recipes…

Spinach & Cheese Bake If Popeye the Sailor Man could get his strength from spinach, you could too because this leafy vegetable is considered a superfood. One of the reasons why spinach is considered a superfood is because of the many nutrients it contains. This leafy veggie also benefits your skin, hair and bones. Eating spinach will help stabilise your blood glucose levels, help in reducing your risk of developing cancer, and is good for bone health. So adding this green leafy vegetable to your diet will benefit your health in multiple ways. Spinach & Cheese Bake Prep Time: 15 MinsCook Time: 35 MinsServes: 4-6 Ingredients 1 cup fried onions, lightly crushed,1/2 cup breadcrumbs1 tbsp melted butter2 tbsp. olive oil2 x 500g bags of fresh baby spinach3 tbsp. butter3 cloves…

MAINS VEGAN LENTIL WALNUT LOAF -with balsamic apple glaze - SIDE VEGAN DEVILED EGGS DESSERT VEGAN HOT CROSS BUNS LENTIL WALNUT LOAF WITH BALSAMIC APPLE GLAZE 8 Servings Prep: 40 min Cook: 1 Hour The beauty of creating a lentil loaf (as opposed to a meatloaf) is that you can taste the mixture as you go without having to worry about the raw meat. This results in a perfectly seasoned loaf and, the mixture tastes so good! Lentil loaves can be temperamental, so it’s best to follow the directions exactly as written. INGREDIENTS FOR THE LENTIL-WALNUT LOAF 2 cans of lentils, drained and rinsed1 cup walnuts, finely chopped2 teaspoons (10 mL) extra-virgin olive oil2 cups finely chopped onion3 garlic cloves, minced1 cup finely chopped celery1 cup grated carrot1/3 cup peeled…

In South Africa we have a wonderful mix of traditions and cultures. Traditionally at this time of year we enjoy gathering together to enjoy a roast lamb, some pickled fish or even whipping out the braai stand. (South Africans love to braai!) Popular traditional, non-religious Easter activities in South Africa include participating in Easter egg hunts and indulging in a number of delicious treats - from big family meals on Easter Sunday, to enjoying spicy hot cross buns and candy-coated chocolate bunnies throughout the Easter holiday. However, while these delicacies and activities are appreciated the world over, there are a few lesser-known traditions celebrated across the country that differ in Eastern and Western South Africa. IN THE WEST The Western Cape specialises in an Easter treat of its own known…

Simnel Cake This traditional Easter fruit cake is topped with 11 spheres of homemade marzipan, representing all the Apostles, minus Judas. This recipe does seem intimidating because of the many steps involved, however, since it is traditionally baked once a year, around Easter time, it is well worth the time and effort. Simnel Cake Prep Time: 30 MinsCook Time: +- 2 HoursYields: 10-12 slices Ingredients THE FRUIT CAKE Juice and zest of 1 orangeJuice and zest of 1 lemon500g mixed dried fruit100g glacé cherries, halved225g self-raising flour2 tsp ground mixed spice3 large free-range eggs175g butter, + extra to grease175g light brown sugar THE MARZIPAN DECORATION 225g icing sugar, + 3 tbsp for rolling175g castor sugar350g ground almonds2 large free-range eggs½ tsp almond extract1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice2 tbsp apricot…

1. Always wash your hands before and after handling food. 2. Wash fruit & vegetables under cold water before using. 3. Kids must always ask an adult to assist when handling hot content. 4. Handle all sharp objects carefully to avoid cutting yourself. 5. When using a knife, always cut away from yourself. 6. Always turn handles of pots & saucepans inward. 7. Use oven mittens whenever you are handling hot dishes. 8. Always keep food preparation surfaces clean and free of clutter. 9. Wear an apron, roll up your sleeves and tie up long hair. 10. Wipe up any food spills immediately. Keep kitchen clean and neat.…

Pickled Fish Despite its association with Easter, pickled fish is not explicitly linked to the Christian holiday. It is thought to have originated from Cape Malay cooking as a way to preserve fresh fish at the early Cape colony. It was only much later that the aromatic delicacy became a popular choice in lieu of meat at Easter time. While pickled fish is closely linked to Cape Town, it is a much-loved National dish. Pickled Fish Prep Time: 10 MinsCook Time: 20 MinsServes: 4-6 Ingredients 8-10 pieces of firm fishTraditionally snoek or yellow tail fish are used.1 tsp salt1/4 cup sunflower oil to fry the fish1 cup brown vinegar1/2 cup water1/4 cup sugar3 large onions, sliced1 – 2 tsp whole peppercorns1 teaspoon chilli flakes2 tsp ground coriander1 tsp ground cumin1/2…

I am Hajira, from Francistown Botswana in Africa. I am married to Shibly and blessed with two daughters Rizwana and Nabeelah, hence the name of my blog @hrns_cuisine the first letter of all our names. My blog is all about the meals I prepare for my family on a daily basis, some recipes are my own and others are recreations from various amazing recipe developers I interact with or from the internet. I often adapt recipes to suit my family’s taste, with great results and they in turn have become family favourites. I have lived all my life in Francistown, fortunate to have met my husband here and we decided to build our home together here. I come from a large family, one of seven siblings and growing up we…