As the first fierce winds of winter whip around the Cape Peninsula, residents experience one of the wettest cyclones to hit Cape Town, the first of the seasonal onslaught of Cape storms. While the landscape transforms into lush greens, we huddle for shelter and warmth as the barometer plummets to single figures, sometimes in the negative.
Our winter storms are always dramatic, bringing wind, rain and a certain wild beauty to the city. While it’s important to stay safe during these times, there’s also something undeniably comforting about being indoors, listening to the rain, and enjoying the warmth of a fire while enjoying a delicious meal.
Being housebound has prompted many to seek refuge and engagement in the kitchen, with some forgetting what being in the kitchen is like.
There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking when the weather outside is wild. The process of creating something warm and delicious becomes a way to connect with the season and find comfort amidst the storm. The feeling of satisfaction from cooking during wild weather stems from the contrast between the cozy indoor space and the harsh outdoor environment. It’s a chance to create a warm, comforting atmosphere indoors while experiencing the raw power of nature outside, often leading to a heightened sense of appreciation for both.
Winter in Cape Town is about rich flavours, slow-cooked delights, and dishes designed to nourish both body and soul, while at the same time providing essential nutrients to the body to ward off any potential illnesses. Several food trends are gaining traction this season.
Slow cookers and Dutch ovens are seeing a resurgence as home cooks embrace the convenience of one-pot stews, curries, and braises. Apart from filling the house with delicious aromas, slow cooking will certainly heat up the kitchen as the process usually takes a few hours to complete. The result is delicious, balanced stews with all the nutrients you need
Consider soup as a main event. Think thick soups like roasted tomato and red pepper soup with basil oil, or creamy mushroom soup with truffle shavings. Cauliflower and lentil soup is another option. Ensuring you get enough sustenance from vegetables at this time is essential, and soup is one f the best ways to do this.
Compliment your soups with delicious home-baked breads. The aroma of freshly baked breads, from sourdough loaves to sweet treats like malva pudding and milk tart provides a therapeutic outlet and a delicious reward.
Stir Crazy’s winter cooking classes focus on using seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and inspiring. We include techniques for slow cooking, soup making, baking and recipes that not only provide nourishment, but create comfort as well.
Think of times of celebration, crisis, connection and entertaining. Food often at the centre of those experiences and cooking is a way to give back to others just as much as it’s a way to give love to ourselves.
Inspired to get cooking? Come and join one of our July cooking classes!