The mornings are colder, the days feel shorter and suddenly, we’re reaching for those blankets. Winter is officially in full swing, which means one thing: hot, comforting dishes and drinks to warm the soul. At Nambiti Hills Private Game Experience, we’re known for our culinary flair that adapts with the changing of the seasons. Winter is a celebrated time for us, as our talented chefs create some incredible flavours perfect for this time of the year. For those who can’t get to us as yet, here are a few ways to get your Nambiti Hills fix from the comforts of your own kitchen.
The Perfect Potjie
Ingredients:
500g of fresh Oxtail (ask the butcher to slice them in pieces between the bones)
10 slices of Bacon (cut into medium-sized pieces)
½ cup of Flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)
1 litre of Beef stock
115g of Tomato paste
1 Bay leaf
6 Black peppercorns
4 large Leeks (chopped coarsely)
2 large onions (chopped coarsely)
6 large carrots (4 diced finely and 2 chopped coarsely)
20 button mushrooms (cut into quarters)
250ml of Red wine
2 tablespoons of Salted butter
2 tablespoons of Olive oil
2 tablespoons of Crushed garlic
Directions:
- Pat the oxtails dry with a paper towel.
- Place the seasoned flour in a resealable plastic bag, add the Oxtail, close and shake to coat properly.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a potjie pot over hot coals and sauté the bacon.
- Remove the bacon and set it aside. Add the oxtail to the pot and brown it in the bacon fat. When properly and evenly browned, remove the pieces and drain them on paper towel.
- Add the 4 finely diced carrots to the pot together with the chopped onions and the leeks. Sauté the mixture until softened and golden.
- Add the oxtail and bacon to the pot along with the bay leaf, peppercorns, garlic, tomato sauce, beef stock and red wine.
- Slowly bring this to the boil and cover tightly with a lid. Allow this to cook undisturbed for 4 hours. Resist the urge to stir it.
- One hour before serving, add the remaining carrots as well as the mushrooms. Keep cooking this slowly, all without stirring it.
- For those who like a thicker sauce, you can always stir in some cornflour mixed with cold water just before serving.
- Enjoy over rice or mielie pap.
Heart-warming Drinks
Where sundowners are concerned, we’ve got several favourites. By serving something warm at this time of the year, you can sit outside by the fire with a blanket and enjoy the magic of South African winter (which isn’t nearly as cold as you might think). These two recipes were specially created by us and hold a special place in our hearts.
Spiced Chai Latte
Ingredients:
2 Cinnamon sticks
8 Cardamom pods
4 Cloves
6 Peppercorns
1 Star anise
2cm piece of Ginger (sliced)
3 black Teabags (Like Ceylon, Assam or English breakfast)
500ml of freshly boiled Water
500ml of Full cream milk (Coconut milk also works well)
1-2 tablespoons of Brown sugar
A pinch of cinnamon to serve
Directions:
- Toast the spices in a dry frying pan until they are fragrant.
- Place the spices, ginger and tea bags into a teapot or cafetière with 500ml of freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
- Heat the milk along with the brown sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Once lightly steaming, froth the top with a milk frother or whisk to create some foam.
- Strain the tea between 4 mugs, or heatproof glasses before pouring in the milk (keeping the froth back.)
- Stir to combine and top each latte with a bit of the milk foam before dusting with a pinch of cinnamon.
- If you like, add a splash of Kahlua and top with whipped cream for a truly decadent winter treat.
Cranberry Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups of Cranberry juice cocktail
½ cup of Sugar
2–4 Cinnamon sticks
2–3 pieces of Star anise
3–4 cups of Red wine
½ cup of fresh Cranberries
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberry juice, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Add in the wine and cranberries and bring back to a simmer. Serve warm.
Experience winter our way
We’ve almost got the go-ahead to host guests during lockdown advanced level 3 and we can’t wait to welcome you back. To get a head start on booking your Nambiti Hills Private Game Experience, why not get in touch with us today? To book your trip, call us today on +27 (0)31 333 6273 or email us on reservations@nambitihills.com
