Tasty Tuesday: Waterblommetjiebredie

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:

  1. Prepare the Waterblommetjies:
    • Rinse the waterblommetjies thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand.
    • Trim off any tough stems and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Final Adjustments:
    • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary.
    • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  8. 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.