Author Archives: Marshalino Jankowski

Tips for Storing your Potjie and Cast Iron Cookware

Tips for Storing your Potjie and Cast Iron Cookware

Tips for Storing your Potjie and Cast Iron Cookware

Follow our tips below to keep your cast iron cookware in tip-top shape for years to come:

  • Seasoning is key: Before storing your cast iron cookware in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place, make sure your cookware is completely dry. To prevent rust, you can season it. It involves lightly coating the inside and outside of the cookware with vegetable oil and heat it until it *polymerises into the cookware’s surface.

*Fun Fact: Polymerisation – The science of cast iron seasoning where it creates a layer of seasoning that’s bonded to the iron.

If you’ve never seasoned your cast iron cookware before, learn from the best here.

  • Newspaper Liner: To protect your potjie from moisture and potential rust during storage, you can place scrunched newspaper or paper towel inside before putting on the lid upside down (top side face down) or placed on top without fully sealing it. By doing this, it will allow there to be sufficient air circulation to prevent rust.
  • Storage Space: Best places to store your cast iron cookware
storing-your-potjie-with-newspaper
storing-your-potjie-in-cupboards
  • Upper cabinets: This is the best place to keep your potjie out of the way (you might bump a toe!). The upper cabinet helps to keep your potjie away from the dishwasher and oven to avoid moisture and heat.
  • Lower cabinets: If you have enough space, a lower cabinet can work well too. Just make sure it’s in a dry area and not prone to flooding.
  • Regular Inspection during Long-Term Storage: Periodically check your potjie, especially if stored for long periods to ensure it remains in good condition. If any rust spots appear, learn how to restore here.
storing-your-potjie-vs-not-storing-them

By following these tips, you can ensure your cast iron cookware continues to be a cherished part of your kitchen for years to come!

Easy Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Potjie Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce

Potjie Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Panna Cotta

  • ¼ cup Full Cream Milk
  • 2 ½ tsp. Unflavoured Gelatin
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream
  • ½ cup White Sugar
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 3 tbsp. White Sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Water
  • 1 tsp. Lemon Juice
DOWNLOAD RECIPE PDF

Directions:

For the Panna Cotta

  1. In a small bowl, add the milk and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the milk. Leave the mixture to soak for +-5 minutes.
  2. In your #7 Supreme Round Casserole , gently combine the cream, sugar, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt and bring to a low boil. Let the mixture simmer for +-5 minutes then remove the casserole from the heat.
  3. Whisk in the milk and gelatin mixture until smooth.
  4. Strain the liquid through a mesh strainer for undissolved pieces of gelatin.
  5. Pour the strained mixture into two Best Duty Pots 3-Leg (#1/4), cover and refrigerate for +- 4 hours or overnight.

For the Strawberry Sauce

  1. In your #7 Supreme Round Casserole, add ½ a cup of the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and water and bring to a slow boil. Let the mixture simmer for +-5 minutes.
  2. Remove the casserole from the heat and stir in the remaining strawberries.
  3. Once the sauce is completely cool, spoon it over the chilled panna cotta. Return the panna cotta to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Crispy Hasselback Potatoes: An Easy and Delicious Side Dish

Hassleback Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 6 medium Potatoes
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • ¾ tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 3 tbsp. Salted Butter
  • 1 Garlic Clove, grated
  • ½ tsp. Italian Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp. chopped Parsley, to garnish
  • A pinch of flaky Sea Salt
  • Optional toppings; Sour Cream, Cheese, Green Onions, Bacon, etc.
DOWNLOAD RECIPE PDF

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 230°C.
  2. Gently wash and dry the potatoes to remove any excess dirt.
  3. Cutting the potatoes: Place two chopsticks along the sides of the potato which will act as guides to prevent cutting all the way through the potato. Gently slice the potato into +-5mm slices, ensuring not to go all the way through to the bottom. Repeat this process for each potato.
  4. Baking the potatoes: Grease your Best Duty Bake Pot #12 and place the potatoes inside of the pot.  Brush the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and bake for +-1 hour, until the potato slices are starting to separate.
  5. Remove the Bake Pot from the oven and brush it with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for +-15 minutes until crispy and lightly browned.
  6. Place your #7 Supreme Round Casseroles on medium heat. Melt the butter and gently stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, stir for +-3 minutes. Remove the casserole from the heat source and set aside.
  7. When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and brush with the melted seasoned butter. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the potatoes, garnish with parsley and your desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!

Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Chocolate Ice Cream

Easy Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

by
Braaiholics

Ingredients:

  • 500ml Cream, whipped until doubled in volume
  • 1 can Evaporated milk
  • ¾ tin Condensed milk
  • 120g Cocoa powder, depends on personal preference
DOWNLOAD RECIPE PDF

Directions:

  1. Place your Best Duty 3-Leg #3 potjie inside of a champagne cooler.
  2. Fill the cooler with a combination of ice cubes and dry-ice pellets.
  3. Once the potjie is cold enough, you can start adding the ingredients in the following order; the whipped cream first, secondly the evaporated- & condensed milk. Lightly whisk the ingredients together while slowly adding the cocoa to get your preferred shade of chocolaty perfection.

Note: Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain the icy temperatures within.

  1. Every +-5 minutes, whisk the mixture to ensure a creamy consistency.
  2. As time passes, you’ll notice the cream mixture freezing along the potjie’s sides, gently whisk these frozen edges into the creamy center and place the lid on top.
  3. After +-40 minutes, depending on how cold your potjjie gets, your ice-cream is ready to enjoy!

Recipe created by @Braaiholics

Have a recipe you would like to share? Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll get in touch!

The Ultimate Cast Iron Christmas Gift Guide: Find the Perfect Pot for Every Cook!

Cast Iron Christmas Gift Guide

Home is where the heart is, and nothing says it better than a kitchen filled with aromatic scents wafting from quality cast iron cookware. As we approach the festive season, there is no better way to express love than gifting a generational, thoughtful gift. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Christmas present for that special cook in your life, look no further!

Our Cast Iron Christmas gift guide has got you covered! Here, we’ve rounded up the best cast iron cookware on the market to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas.

  1. The 3-Leg Cast Iron Pot: This is an absolute must-have for any South African household. Perfectly designed for outdoor cooking, the three sturdy legs give this pot stability on an open fire. Its traditional design and practical functionality make it a great gift for those who appreciate the fine art of potjie cooking.

You can determine how many servings your potjie can accommodate by multiplying the outside rings by the size of your pot

The 3-Leg Cast Iron Pot

For example, the Best Duty #3 pot has four rings on the outside and can therefore hold 12 servings.

For smaller gatherings, we recommend the #3 or #4 potjie. For larger gatherings, look at #6 or #8, as the #8 potjie can accommodate up to 32 people. The biggest 3-legged oil-cured cast iron potjie size is #25, which can feed up to 100 mouths! No matter the size of your family or community, we’ve got a potjie for you!

  1. Cast Iron Bake Pot: From baking mouth-watering breads to preparing delicious one-pot wonders, the Cast Iron Bake Pot is a versatile gem. Its even heat distribution ensures everything cooks evenly, plus it’s also great for keeping the food warm for longer. A must-have for all the baking enthusiasts out there. It’s perfect for those who love to experiment with different recipes in the kitchen.

3. Flat Cast Iron Pot: This pot is a cook’s dream come true. It is not only great for searing meat perfectly, but also versatile enough to cook anything from potjiekos to stir-frys. It heats up evenly and retains heat exceptionally well, ensuring that your food is cooked to perfection every single time. You can use this flat bottomed potjie in your indoor or outdoor kitchen for quick and easy dinner nights!

Cast Iron Flat Pots
Quarter Size Cast Iron Pots
  1. Quarter Size Cast Iron Pot: Perfect for small family meals or for those who love to cook intricate dishes, a 1/4 size cast iron pot is the epitome of flexibility. It delivers all the benefits of cast iron cooking, but in a more manageable size. These smaller potjies are perfect for get-togethers with friends where everyone can have the freedom to make their own potjie. Add chocolate and marshmallows, and you’re ready for fondue night! This is a great gift for someone who lives alone or has a smaller kitchen space.
  1. Chef Supreme Cast Iron Pot: Lastly, for the true connoisseur in the kitchen, our Chef Supreme Cast Iron Pot is the ultimate gift this Christmas. This professional-grade pot is designed to handle virtually any recipe or cooking technique you can throw at it. Its even heat distribution and high heat retention make it perfect for searing, sautéing, braising and baking. With its stunning design, it will serve as both a functional tool and a beautiful centrepiece in the kitchen. See our reasons why you need to gift your loved one Chef Supreme this Christmas here.
Chef Supreme Cast Iron Pots

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else this holiday season, cast iron cookware is a timeless gift that will be cherished for many years to come. Add an element of rustic charm to your kitchen and get shopping!

Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Rack of Lamb with Garlic and Herbs

Ingredients:

  • 8 Bone Rack of Lamb
  • ½ cup Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp. Lemon Juice
  • 5 Garlic Cloves
  • 8 Mint Leaves
  • 1 tbsp. Rosemary Leaves
  • 1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp. Salt

Directions:

  1. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, fresh mint leaves, fresh rosemary leaves, ground black pepper and salt in a food processor until well blended.
  2. Place the rack of lamb in a re-sealable bag and pour in the marinade over the lamb to coat it. Seal the bag and leave to marinate in the refrigerator for +- 4 hours.
  3. Prepare your coals, they should be medium to high heat. Warm your Best Duty Multi Lid #12 for +-2 minutes and grease using non-stick grill spray.
  4. Transfer the racks to your Multi Lid and grill each side for +-5 minutes.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180 °C.
  6. Transfer your Multi Lid to the oven and roast for +- 15 minutes. Cut each rack into 4 double chops and enjoy with veggies on the side.

The Best Homemade Cranberry Bread Recipe

Cranberry Bread

The Best Homemade Cranberry Bread Recipe

This easy homemade cranberry bread recipe is perfect for the holidays! Moist, delicious, and packed with cranberries. Try it today!

Ingredients:

  • 4 tbsp. Unsalted Butter, melted, plus extra to grease
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour, plus extra to grease
  • 1 cup packed Light-Brown Sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp. Baking Powder
  • ½ tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten
  • ¾ cup Whole or Regular Milk
  • 1 bag Cranberries
  • 1 tbsp. Turbinado sugar, for topping
DOWNLOAD RECIPE PDF

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
  2. Butter and flour your Best Duty Superbread Pot and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside once finished.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine all the wet ingredients; butter, egg and milk.
  5. Slowly add the wet mixture to dry mixture and whisk to combine. Using your silicone spoon, fold in the cranberries.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared Superbread Pot and sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar, if desired.
  7. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of the loaf comes out clean, which is +- 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  8. Carefully transfer the Superbread Pot to a wire rack and leave the bread to cool for +-30 minutes. Serve with butter and enjoy!

How to Restore a Cast Iron Pot: A Complete Guide

How to Restore Your Cast Iron Pot

The pleasure of cooking with cast iron is timeless!  These robust kitchen must-haves create flavoursome and perfectly seared dishes – no wonder they are prized for their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly!

However, to unlock their full potential, cast iron pots demand a certain level of care and attention. Whether you’ve inherited a vintage 3-leg potjie or recently purchased your brand new cast iron Bake Pot, the key to culinary success lies in knowing how to properly restore and clean it.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps to revive and maintain your cast iron potjies seasoning – a natural, non-stick surface built up over time that’s the secret behind its exceptional performance.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean and restore your cast iron pot:

Materials you’ll need for the restoration and seasoning

  • 3L White Spirit Vinegar
  • Steel Wool
  • Chain Mail Scrubber
  • Warm water
  • Bicarbonate of Soda
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Vegetable oil
  • Paper towels
  • Sponge
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Oven
  • Oven mitts
  • Baking sheet or aluminum foil (optional)

 

The Restoration Process:

1. Soak: Allow your cast iron pot to cool down completely after cooking. Never attempt to clean it while it’s still hot. Depending on the type of cookware used, fill your sink or a large tub with warm water and vinegar; use a 50:50 solution. Add the water-and-vinegar mixture inside the pot as well to ensure the entire pot is covered. Leave the pot to soak for at least 1 hour before removing; you’ll see the water will be discoloured and there’ll be specs of rust floating around the water.

2. Scrub: If there are stubborn food residues or food stuck to your pot, use your chain mail scrubber to gently scrub the surface. You can also add a small amount of mild dish soap at this stage if necessary. Rinse with cold water.

3. Bicarbonate: Apply a generous amount of Bicarbonate of Soda to the inside and outside of the pot. Leave the pot for +-30 minutes. You can repeat this process twice and rinse with cold water.

4. Scrub and Rinse: Use a finer steel wool to scrub your pot for +-10 minutes. You’ll notice the last dirt and previous seasoning will start to come off. Rinse the pot with cold water and scrub again. Sprinkle a few droplets of dishwashing soap and water and scrub using your chain mail scrubber. You can repeat this process twice and rinse well with cold water.

5. Season: Use a paper towel to pat the pot dry. Pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and coat the entire pot on the inside first, then the outside using a sponge or paper towel. After applying the oil, use a clean paper towel or cloth to wipe away any excess. The pot should have a very thin, almost invisible layer of oil left on it. You don’t want your pot to be too oily, a thin layer of oil will do!

6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 250°C. Place the cast iron pot upside down on the oven rack, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake the pot in the oven for +-1 hour and 15 minutes. This process will help polymerise the oil and create a new layer of seasoning on the cast iron.

7. Let it Cool: Turn off the oven and allow the pot to cool down naturally in the oven. Don’t remove it while it’s still hot. This is the first layer which should be enough to change how the pot looks and feels. You can repeat the oiling and baking process as much as you’d like.

8.For Future Use: Did you know? Every time you cook food with some layer of fat, it will contribute to the seasoning layer of your pot and the cooking surface. After each use, you don’t necessarily have to scrub the pot. You can simply wash the pot with warm water and sunlight liquid and dry with a paper towel until completely dry. Add another layer of oil which will help to prevent rust and you’re good to go!

Your cast iron pot should now be clean, seasoned and ready for use. Regularly cooking with and maintaining your cast iron cookware will continue to improve its non-stick properties and durability over time. After each use, it’s a good practice to lightly oil the pot to keep it in optimal condition. From removing stubborn residues to re-establishing that glossy, protective layer, you’ll discover the art of preserving and enhancing your cast iron pot so that it becomes a cherished kitchen companion for generations to come.

Perfect Pumpkin Potjie: A Delicious South African Bake

Perfect Pumkin Potjie

Get ready to savour the mouth-watering flavours of baked pumpkin, generously filled with a medley of seasoned vegetables!

Ingredients

  • 1kg Pumpkin
  • 10 Pickled Onions, cut into halves
  • 5 Cloves Garlic, cut into thin pieces
  • 250g Corn
  • 2 Carrots, cut into rings
  • ½ Cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup Peas
  • 2 ripe Tomatoes, skinned and chopped
  • 1 tbsp. Vegetable Spice
  • 30 ml Olive Oil
  • 125g Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
  • 250 ml Durban Curry Cook-In Sauce
  • 10 ml Vegetable Stock Powder
  • 60ml Hot Water
DOWNLOAD RECIPE PDF

Directions

  1. Start with your braai to get low hot coals.
  2. Grease your Best Duty Bake Pot (#12)  and set aside for later use.
  3. Using a sharp knife, begin by carefully cutting a ‘lid’ from the top of the pumpkin removing and discarding/ re-using the pumpkin seeds.
  4. Note: There are various creative ways you can re-use the seeds in your next dishes; such as toppings for salads, blend to make a pesto sauce or roast for a tasty snack!

  5. Carefully place the pumpkin inside of your greased Bake Pot.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine all the vegetables and give them flavour by seasoning with Vegetable Spice. Gently toss the ingredients with a mixture of olive oil. Add the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto and Durban Curry Cook-In Sauce to the bowl and stir.
  7. Mix the Vegetable Stock with the water and leave until further use.
  8. Pack the seasoned vegetables into the hollowed-out pumpkin and pour the Vegetable Stock mixture into the pumpkin.
  9. Securely replace the pumpkin lid and then cover the Bake Pot with its own cast iron lid.
  10. To ensure an even bake, cook the pumpkin over low coals and scoop a heaped layer of coals on the Bake Pot lid ensuring even heat distribution.
  11. Leave to cook for +-1 hour over the coals. Alternatively, you can achieve the same result by baking the filled pumpkin in an oven set at 180°C for +-1 hour.
  12. Remove from the coals/oven and leave to cool for half an hour. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Beef Potjiekos Recipe: A South African Delight

Best Beef Potjiekos

The Ultimate Beef Potjiekos Recipe: A South African Delight

Ingredients:

  • 700g Beef Stew, cubed
  • 1 Onion, chopped
  • 30 ml Oil
  • 1 Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
  • 4 Carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 4 Potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 6 Baby Marrows, sliced
  • 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 ml Dry Rosemary
  • 1 ml Dry Thyme
  • 30 ml Dried Parsley
  • 1 Tomato, peeled and sliced
  • ½ packet Curry Flavoured Instant Soup
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

For the Curry Mixture:

  • 1 tbsp. Mild Cape Curry Powder
  • 1 tsp. Mustard
  • 1 tsp. Garlic
  • 1 tsp. Ginger, crushed
  • 100 ml Vinegar
  • 125 ml Brown Sugar
  • 500 ml Warm Water
DOWNLOAD PDF RECIPE

Directions:

  1. Start your braai until you have low to medium hot coals.
  2. For the Curry Mixture: While your coals are reaching its desired temperature, you can start making a curry mixture. In a large bowl, dissolve the curry powder, mustard, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, vinegar and 500ml hot water. Set aside.
  3. For the Potjie: Place your Best Duty Pot 3-Leg (#3) or your Best Duty Bake Pot (#12) along with your Collapsible Potjie Tripod on the coals.
  4. Heat the oil in your pot and fry onion for +-4 minutes, or until soft. 
  5. Add the beef and a small quantity of curry mixture and braise till meat starts to colour. Give your pot a good stir using your Wooden Spoon.
  6. Add the cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme and parsley.
  7. Add potatoes, butternut, carrots and baby marrow to your pot and the rest of the curry mixture. Add the remaining water to keep your pot from drying out and cook till the vegetables start to soften. Add salt and pepper to taste, stir well, cover with the lid and simmer for +- 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  8. Add the tomato and instant curry soup powder to thicken the potjie mixture, cook for +-10 minutes and serve on a bed of rice.