Here’s a traditional Waterblommetjiebredie recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg lamb or mutton, cut into chunks
- 500 g waterblommetjies (Cape pondweed)
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chicken or beef stock
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Waterblommetjies:
- Rinse the waterblommetjies thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
- Trim off any tough stems and set aside.
- Sear the Meat:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the lamb or mutton chunks and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the meat and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Spices and Stock:
- Return the seared meat to the pot.
- Add the ground black pepper, salt, ground coriander, and ground cumin.
- Pour in the chicken or beef stock, lemon juice, and bay leaves.
- Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Stew:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- Add the Potatoes and Waterblommetjies:
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Place the waterblommetjies on top of the stew.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and the waterblommetjies are tender.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Waterblommetjiebredie into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with rice or crusty bread on the side.
Enjoy Your Waterblommetjiebredie!
This traditional South African dish is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal, bringing the unique flavors of waterblommetjies and tender lamb or mutton to your table.

