Yearly Archives: 2016
Malva Pudding
Deliciously moist pudding, serve with custard or enjoy on its own. Makes one large pudding or divide into ramekins.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups milk
2 tsp brown vinegar
2 Tbsp smooth apricot jam
2 Tbsp butter
2 cups cake flour,(plain) sifted
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Method:
Preheat oven to 180° Celsius. Cream together sugar, jam and eggs. Melt butter and add vinegar add this to the sugar and egg mixture. Add the milk, flour and bicarb, mix well to combine all the ingredients. Pour into a pyrex dish (or something similar) and bake for 45 – 60 minutes. If you using ramekins the time will be considerably shorter. You’ll know its baked when the top is browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and pour the warm sauce over. Makes 6 – 8
TO MAKE THE SAUCE:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sugar
3 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon caramel essence
Melt all the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat an pour over the cake.
#capemalaycooking
OR USE THIS RECIPE FOR A CREAMY SAUCE
250ml Cream
125ml butter
125ml sugar
125ml water/Orange juice
Melt together as per above sauce and pour over warm pudding
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Salwaa Smith
Sago Pudding
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – Salwaa Smith
Perfect dessert for the cold weather! Takes less than 90 minutes to prepare and bake. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve more than 4 – 6 people.
Ingredients:
4 cups milk
1 cup sago
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons butter plus extra for greasing
2 tablespoon custard powder (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar (extra)
Method:
Preheat the oven at 160° Celsius.
Grease a large pudding dish with butter.
Heat milk to nearly boiling, then add sago, salt, and nutmeg or cinnamon.
Simmer over very low heat until sago is transparent.
Mix custard powder with half a cup of water / milk and add to mixture
Add the 1/2 cup sugar, butter and vanilla, and stir in well. Remove from heat.
Separate the eggs, and whisk the yolks. Add yolks to the sago mixture, whisk or mix until combined.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff, and add the extra 1/2 cup sugar slowly, whisking until incorporated.
Gently fold the egg whites into the sago mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 – 45 minutes, until set and the pudding is light brown on top.
Serve warm
#capemalaycooking #capemalay
Orange Cake
Orange Cake
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This cake have a citrusy flavour and the sweet and sourness of the orange juice and the orange butter icing gives this cake an incredible taste. Absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Serves: 12
2 cups cake flour
½ teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
300g caster sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons grated orange zest
Orange butter icing:
6 tablespoons butter, softened
250g icing sugar
#capemalaycooking
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Method:
Preheat oven to 180° Celsius. Grease and flour two 20cm round cake tins.
In a measuring jug, combine milk, 125ml orange juice, oil, beaten eggs and
1½ teaspoons orange zest. Set aside.
Sift flour, salt and baking powder into a large bowl. Mix in sugar. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Divide cake mixture between the two prepared tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make Orange Butter Icing:
Cream butter until smooth. Gradually beat in icing sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons orange juice to bring to spreading consistency. Stir in vanilla and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Spread over cooled cakes.
This recipe can also be made into 2 small loaves. Instead of covering the cake with buttercream drizzle the tops with some icing sugar mixed with orange juice.
Lamb Spinach
Lamb Spinach
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This recipe is a good one for introducing spinach to children. They’ll get all the nutrients spinach has to offer without them knowing they eating it!
1kg lamb pieces (you may use with or deboned lamb pieces)
¼ cup cooking oil
2 large onions, peeled and chopped
2 tsps fresh grated ginger
2 tsps crushed garlic
1 – 2 tsps chilli powder (or to taste)
2 tsps salt (or to taste)
2 tsps garam masala
#capemalaycooking
500g fresh spinach, chopped
1 large red pepper, roughly chopped
3 green chillies, chopped (or to taste)
3 tbsp chopped fresh dhanya (coriander, cilantro)
1 ½ tbsp. lemon juice
1 lemon, cut into slices for garnishing
Water as needed
Heat the oil in a large heavy base saucepan / pot over medium heat. Add the onions and fry for about 10 minutes or until the onions are well browned. Add the lamb pieces, cook for about 5 minutes stirring frequently. Add the chilli powder, salt, garam masala, garlic and ginger. Stir to combine with the lamb.
Turn up the heat and pour in enough water to cover the meat and bring to the boil. As soon as it is boiling lower the heat. Cook over low to medium heat until the meat is tender about 30 – 35 minutes, depending on the type of meat. Stir often to prevent the meat from burning. Allow the water to cook away, the meat should be dry.
Add the chopped spinach and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, remove the lid to evaporate any excess water, the spinach will draw water so don’t be tempted to add more water.
Add the chopped red pepper, green chillies, cook for about 3 minutes. If you don’t like spicy food the green chillies can be omitted or you can serve the chillies in a separate plate and people can help themselves with extra chillies.
Dish the meat in a serving plate. Sprinkle with the lemon juice. Garnish with chopped dhanya and lemon slices. Serve immediately with white rice or naan.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Chocolate Pancakes / Crepes
Salwaa’s Chocolate Pancakes / Crepes
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Here is a delightful refreshing pancake recipe with a twist. Wow your family with this chocolate pancake, fill it with chocolate instant pudding, chocolate mousse, fresh fruit, fresh cream or a combination of everything. Indulge!
Ingredients:
2 cups cake/plain flour, sifted
Pinch of salt
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 extra large eggs
1 ½ cup milk
½ – ¾ cup water, depending how thin you want the batter
100g butter, melted
Method:
Sift the flour, cocoa powder and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it.
Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and water, still whisking (don’t worry about any lumps as they will eventually disappear as you whisk).
When all the liquid has been added, use a rubber spatula to scrape any bits of flour from around the edge into the centre, then whisk once more until the batter is smooth, with the consistency of thin cream. Now melt the 100g of butter in a pan. Spoon halve of it into the batter and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a bowl and use it to grease the pan, using a piece of kitchen paper to smear it round before you make each pancake.
Now get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and, to start with, do a test pancake to see if you’re using the correct amount of batter. I find 2 tbsp is about right for an 18cm pan. It’s also helpful if you spoon the batter into a ladle so it can be poured into the hot pan in one go. As soon as the batter hits the hot pan, tip it around from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. It should take only half a minute or so to cook. Flip the pancake over with a palette knife – the other side will need a few seconds only – then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate. Keep warm and continue until all the batter has been used. Makes about 20 pancakes.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Ramadan Kareem!
Ramadan Kareem from my kitchen to yours
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – keeping our heritage alive
Ramadan – a brief explanation
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, a religious annual observance and month of fasting that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The time spent fasting is meant to be used for prayer, charity, spirituality, and for purifying the mind and body. The beginning and end of the month of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Muslims fast from before sunrise to sunset.
Dates & Mint Tea
Does Ramadan always start on the same day?
No. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about 10 days earlier each year. During a Muslim’s life, Ramadan will fall during winter months, when the days are short, and summer months, when the days are long.
Why is the month so significant?
Principally because it is the month that Allah revealed the Quran to the last Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Those who are not required to fast during Ramadan are young children, (those who did not reach puberty) the sick or those with mental illnesses, travellers, the elderly and women who are menstruating, pregnant, breast-feeding or have recently had a baby.
The month of Ramadan contains the most blessed of nights – known as Laylatul Qadr – about which Allah, subhana wa t’ala, says:
‘What will make you realize what the Night of Power is like?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Angels and the Spirit descend upon it with their Lord´s permission with every command;
There is peace that night until the coming of dawn.
(Quran: 97:1-5)
Traditions
Muslims break their at sunset with dates or water. Traditionally we, the Cape Malays, will have a starter consisting of soup, samosas, dhaltjies, fritters. More often than not after prayers we will have a main meal. During Ramadan plates of food are shared with neighbours. Little children can often be seen carrying plates of food to neighbours, etc… The best charity, the best Zakah, the best Sadaqah is in Ramadan. Feeding the poor and needy fasting people is highly recommended in Ramadan. The Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Whoever feeds a fasting person, will get a reward like him.’ (Ahmad) He also said, ‘Protect yourself from the fire even by giving half of a date.’ (Agreed upon)
The benefits of Dates
The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fasts by eating some dates before offering Maghrib prayer. Modern science has proved that dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat and proteins, as well as important vitamins. Dates are also rich in natural fibres. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium. Dates and palms have been mentioned in the Holy Quran 20 times, thus showing their importance. The prophet likened a good Muslim to the date palm saying, “Among trees, there is a tree like a Muslim. It’s leaves do not fall.”
The Five Pillars of Islam include Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life, Zakat: giving to the poor, Salah: five-time daily prayer, facing Mecca, including absolution prior to prayer, Shahada: declaration of belief in one true God.
May you have a blessed spiritual uplifting month, ameen
Here’s the link to some of my favourite Ramadan treats.
Pineapple Chicken
Pineapple Chicken
Sweet and tangy, flavourful tropical chicken for a quick and easy meal. Prepare beforehand and pop in the oven for a lovely alternative to Sunday roast.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Ingredients:
1 chicken, skin off and cut into 8 pieces
1 tin canned pineapple rings (440g)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
¼ cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
½ – 1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt or to taste
1 Tbsp cooking oil
Fresh chopped dhanya/coriander/cilantro
#capemalaycooking
Method:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, juice of canned pineapple, tomato sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, paprika and salt . Reserve a quarter of the sauce and set aside.
Using a Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the sauce mixture and chicken. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator, turning the bag occasionally.
Combine the pineapple rings and brown sugar.
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.
Transfer the chicken, with the marinade, into an oven proof dish. Cook the chicken, uncovered, for about 45 minutes turning half way through. Pour the remaining reserved sauce and arrange the pineapple rings on top of the chicken. Return to the oven and grill for about 5 – 10 minutes until the pineapple rings are light golden in colour.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped dhanya. Serve with a fresh green salad.
Cook’s Tip
Use fresh pineapple and half a cup of pineapple juice instead of the canned pineapple rings.
BBQ (braai) the chicken pieces instead of cooking in the oven.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Gulab Jamuns are popular in South Asian cuisine. Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy inside. Gulab Jamuns can be eaten as a dessert with ice cream or fresh cream. It can also be made during Ramadan to share with family, friends and neighbours. It is a great alternative to koesisters or doughnuts.
Gulab Jamun
Ingredients:
1 tin condensed milk (497g)
3 Tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp semolina
1 tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp rose essence
2 – 2¼ cups cake flour, sifted
Oil for deep frying
For The Syrup
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 tsp rose essence
Desiccated coconut to finish
Method:
Using a medium size bowl whisk the condensed milk and melted butter together. Add the ground cardamom, baking powder, bicarb, essence and semolina whisk until the mixture turn creamy. Gradually add the flour to form a soft dough. (You may not need the full 2¼ cups of flour.) Leave to rest for about 10 minutes. Divide the dough into 30 pieces. Roll the pieces of dough into balls or into oblong shapes. Best to use a slightly floured surface (and hands) as the dough might be slightly sticky.
In the meantime add the syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to the boil. Boil until the sugar water turns sticky. Remove from the heat but keep warm to dip in the cooked gulab jamuns when done.
Heat the oil in a deep pot and deep fry the gulab jamuns on medium heat, take care not to over crowd the pot as the gulab jamuns will swell considerably. Fry until deep brown stirring all the time to get an even colour all over. Remove and drain excess oil on kitchen paper. Cool slightly before dipping in the warm sugar syrup and rolling it in desiccated coconut.
Cook’s note:
You may not need all the flour, add the flour gradually
You may leave the jamuns drenched in the syrup of you like it sweet and syrupy until it is ready to be served.
Gulab Jamun
Orange Bundt Cake
Orange Bundt Cake
Orange Bundt Cake
Salwaa Smith – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
This cake has a citrusy flavour, the sweet & Sour orange juice and the orange butter icing gives this cake an incredible taste. Absolutely delicious. This cake can also be made in round cake or loaf tins.
Ingredients
2 cups cake flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup caster sugar
½ cup milk
½ cup orange juice
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs, beaten
1½ teaspoons grated orange zest
½ tsp orange essence
Orange butter icing:
50g butter, softened
1 cup icing sugar
2 Tbsp orange juice
½ tsp orange essence
1 tsp grated orange zest
Method:
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease and flour a Bundt tin.
In a measuring jug, combine milk, the orange juice, oil, beaten eggs, essence and
1½ teaspoons orange zest. Set aside.
Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Mix in sugar.
Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool.
To make Orange Butter Icing:
Cream butter until smooth. Gradually beat in icing sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons orange juice to bring to spreading consistency. Stir in the orange essence and orange zest. Spread or drizzle over the cooled cake.
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Raisin Buns
Raisin Buns – Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights – Salwaa Smith
Freshly Bakes Raisin Buns
This time of the year brings back fond memories of many years ago. My late mom (may Allah/God grant her nur/light in her kubr/grave, ameen) used to make these buns to gift to our neighbours. She would knead and bake up to 5kg at a time. Imagine all those buns and all the people who enjoyed it. Here I’m sharing her recipe to make 24 buns but if your feel adventurous and generous make extra to share with your neighbours 😉
Makes 24
1 kg cake flour, extra for dusting
1 & 1/2 tsp salt
100 g soft butter
2 packets instant yeast (7 g packets)
2 Tbsp sugar
3 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp cinnamon powder
4 tsp ground aniseed
250g raisins or dried mixed fruit
2 – 3 cups warm water & milk mixture (half & half)
Raisin Buns – Before Baking
Raisin Buns Before Baking
Freshly Baked Spread With Lots Of Butter
Glaze:
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tsp boiling hot water
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour and salt, rub in the butter. Stir in the yeast, sugar, spices and raisins. Mix in the water/milk to form a dough. Start with 2 cups first, gradually add the rest as needed. Certain flour needs a little more or less liquid so feel free to adjust. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or so until the dough is soft and smooth.
Return the dough to the mixing bowl, cover with plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm spot until double is size, about 2 hours.
Gently knock the dough down for the air to escape. Divide the dough into 24 pieces and shape into buns.
Place on a floured baking sheet cover with plastic and leave in a warm place to rise until double in size.
Bake for about 15 – 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius.
To make the glaze, mix together the sugar and hot water until sugar has dissolved. Brush over the baked buns immediately after taking from the oven.
Suggestion:
Instead of making buns divide the dough into two, bake in loaf tins for raisin bread / loaves. Brush with glaze after baking.
Raisin Loaf
Raisin Loaf
© Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights
Cape Malay Cooking & Other Delights - Salwaa Smith 
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