Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...
Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more
For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels for useful news, daily local champions | |
072 350 2062 | |
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point | |
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe | |
now@capetownmagazine.com | |
CapeTownMag | |
CapeTownMagazine.com | |
capetownmag |
Dining solo? We chat to three culinary experts in Cape Town to bring you some great recipe ideas, perfect for those dinner-for-one occasions
Last Update: February 14, 2017
There are many great things that one can do alone. Reading a book, listening to music and even exercising are all awesome activities designed to be done by yourself. Cooking, however, is whole different ball game and in the kitchen one can be the loneliest number of them all.
Finding a recipe that is suitable for a single serving (and that doesn’t waste too much of your time or create too many dishes) can be a big ask. It’s often a good enough reason to rather opt for a bowl of cereal or a takeaway dinner. And so, sharing in your frustrations and in hope that we may be able to help you next time you dine alone, we catch up with three renowned culinary experts in Cape Town who each share an awesome dinner idea suitable for one.
Siba Mtongana
Although many will recognise Siba Mtongana from the popular food-inspired international TV show ‘Siba’s Table’ on Food Network channel DStv channel 175, Siba’s CV includes being a multi-award winning freelance food writer, celebrity TV chef and national food judge. Her empathy for the underprivileged, especially young children sees Siba working as an ambassador for FoodBank South Africa, an organisation that helps fight hunger and malnutrition in our country. She also volunteers at the Etafeni Day Care Centre in Nyanga, Cape Town. Believing her calling is to be an agent of change in Africa and the world, Siba is an inspiring foodie expert with a great idea for dinner for one.
In her own words…
“I wanted to go for a typical American feel for dinner, but with a SIBA-LICIOUS twist. I just love the flavours of the cobb salad with its rich American flavours, and beautiful ingredients, like blue cheese, salad leaves, boiled eggs, chicken, etc. and thought it would work perfectly as a burger. It is easy, tasty comfort food – perfect for one!”
Cobb Salad Burger with Virgin Pomogranite Mojito
Ingredients
1 Chicken breast
1 Tbls Gorgonzola blue cheese
2 Cocktail/tooth sticks
Wet rub
1/2 Tbls cumin
1/2 Tbls brown sugar
1/2 Tsp medium curry powder
1/2 Tsp cayenne powder
1/2 Tsp Dijon mustard
1 Fresh garlic clove, chopped
1/2 Tbls canola oil
1/2 Tbls apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Serve with
2 Slices bacon
1 Tbls maple flavoured syrup
1 Sesame seed sourdough bun, buttered
Boiled egg
Dressing
1 Tbls sour cream
1 Tbls mayonnaise
1 Tbls buttermilk or sour-milk
1/2 Tsp lime juice
1/2 Garlic clove, crushed
1/2 Tsp very finely chopped onion
1/2 Tbls coriander, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of sugar, for taste
Salad
1/4 Cup mixed baby lettuce leaves
20 g Watercress, most stems removed
1/4 Avocado halved and sliced
1 Tomato, sliced
Method
For the egg
For the dressing
For the chicken
For the bacon
(Tip, if using the oven, place the bacon on a baking sheet and bake in an oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes until it starts to brown. Brush it with maple syrup and give it another five minutes. Take it out to cool and crisp.)
For the bun
To assemble the burger
Virgin Pomegranate Mojito
Ingredients
1/4 Cup water
2.5cm Piece ginger
1/4 Cup caster sugar
1/2 Cup raspberries
3/4 Cup pomegranates
5 Mint sprigs
1 Lime, cut into wedges
Approximately 3 ice blocks, crushed
3/4 Cup fizzy or soda water
Method
Nicolas Charalambous
From a young age Nicolas Charalambous was always observing and interfering in the kitchen affairs of his Greek grandmother. This nurtured his desire to make incredible food that people love. After a food-inspired trip around Europe, Nicolas studied at the prestigious Silwood School of Cookery, obtaining his Cordon Bleu Grand Diploma. Working at some of Cape Town’s best restaurants under the tutelage of Chef Peter Tempelhoff at The Cellars-Hohenort’s Greenhouse and at Mondiall, Nicolas blossomed and has recently stepped out on his own journey. Having experienced his foodie talents at the popular underground eatery [spasie] we knew he would be a great addition to our solo dining cooking team!
In his own words…
“This has been my go-to meal throughout my life. I have just added a few touches here and there and played with the cooking method from when my mom used to make us roast chicken. It’s healthy, full of protein and good hearty vegetables. There are leftovers for lunch the next day to make a great sarmie and you keep the kitchen relatively clean by only using two pans!”
The Ultimate Roast Chicken with my Favourite Veg
Ingredients
For the chicken, leeks and veg
1 Free range chicken
1 Lemon, quartered
1 Onion, quartered
2 Carrots
2 Celery sticks
1 Garlic bulb
Olive oil
Bunch of thyme, rosemary, sage and parsley
3 Large leeks
2 Sweet potatoes
100g Butter, softened
Sea salt
Pepper
For the crispy kale
30ml Olive or coconut oil
Half a bunch kale, thinly sliced
Salt
2 Tbls cottage cheese
Method
For the chicken, leeks and veg
For the crispy kale
Finish the chicken
Jenny Morris
Founder of the Giggling Gourmet catering and special events company, Jenny Morris knows a thing or two about cooking. She is also an author, magazine writer, radio and TV presenter, celebrity chef, accredited international food judge, teacher, caterer and culinary tour guide (phew, that is a lot!). Having hosted an array of cooking shows on the international Food Network channel, together with the accolades mentioned above, Jenny is just the foodie to help us with our cooking for one predicament!
In her own words…
“In my experience I have found that when people cook for one, they can't seem to be bothered to cook different elements to a dish owing to the fact it takes too much time and effort. This means they often don't eat a balanced meal. The one gripe I always hear from my single friends is that despite the fact they shop with good intentions, they often end up throwing away half of their fresh produce because they haven't had time to cook it all.
I find that a stir-fry ticks all the necessary boxes because you can include a wonderful selection of vegetables and protein in one dish. It might seem a little pricey to buy pre-packed vegetables ready for stir frying, but then you will not have to throw anything away. Not to mention, all you then need to do is just add the protein of your choice. It is that easy!”
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Ingredients
1 Small onion, sliced
2 Garlic cloves, crushed
2 Tsp fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbls fresh coriander, chopped
1 Large skin and boneless chicken breast fillet, cut into strips
250g pre-packed mixed stir-fry vegetables
2 Tbls oil
1 Tsp brown sugar
Ground white pepper
1/2 Tsp ground cumin
2 Tbls soy sauce
Method
---
For more awesome foodie options, check out some of our other recipes ideas.
---
Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!
Our team’s tip-off: 50% off cottage ...
Completely private cottages with splash pools, hot tubs and more
Get over the midweek hump with a ...
Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more
Cape Town accommodation special for a ...
20% off, free breakfast, access to rooftop pool
Reasons to have lunch at mischu
Where else in Sea Point can you have lunch for under R100?
Team building, stylish conferencing & ...
Ultimate work-play-and-stay hub, Trail’s End
The hidden seaside bistro on the ...
Sushi calamari, miso sirloin & rice krispies milkshakes
You can get breakfast and coffee with the R99 brunch special
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
Now with over 90 strains of weed and The Serenity Room
Best day ever? Monster Mountain ...
Scootours Banhoek has scooters, vine bikes and archery
Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...
Ramen by the sea, a build-your-own waffle bar & 5 more
This boutique 5-star hotel offers ...
The signature Palm Journey includes a 3-course lunch