| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 30g | 10g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 30g | 1g |
As a native New Yorker who grew up surrounded by the incredible diversity of the city’s culinary scene, finding unique recipes that tell a story is a passion of mine. One such discovery is the Waterblommetjie Bredie (Traditional South African Stew). This hearty stew not only transports you to the enchanting landscapes of South Africa but also offers a sumptuous blend of flavors that are as comforting as they are intriguing. The harmonious mix of lamb, Cape pondweed flowers (known as waterblommetjies), and an array of simple yet vibrant ingredients creates a dish that’s both exotic and familiar.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Waterblommetjie Bredie holds a special place in South African culinary traditions, particularly within the Cape Malay community. It’s a dish that echoes the rich tapestry of cultural influences, much like the melting pot I adore in New York City. Cooking this stew feels like taking part in a cherished tradition, where each ingredient has its own role in the story. Even thousands of miles away from its origins, every spoonful brings a taste of South Africa’s diverse heritage to my kitchen.
Health Benefits
Besides being incredibly flavorful, Waterblommetjie Bredie is also packed with nutritional benefits. Lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins such as B12, zinc, and iron. The waterblommetjies add a unique, slightly peppery flavor and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which boost your immune system. Potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates and are rich in fiber, ensuring you stay full and satisfied. This makes the stew a wholesome option for family dinners or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Delightfully Versatile
This recipe pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Consider serving it alongside a simple side salad or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. You might also find it similarities to other hearty stews like the French navarin d’agneau or the Moroccan tagine, both of which focus on tender meat and vegetables simmered to perfection. Additionally, it could complement other South African fare, such as bobotie or braai, to create a full-on cultural feast.
So next time you’re in the mood for something different but wholly satisfying, I highly recommend trying the Waterblommetjie Bredie. This traditional South African stew promises to bring warmth and a touch of adventure to your dining experience. It’s a wonderful tribute to the joy of exploring global flavors while nurturing your body with wholesome ingredients.
For more insights into the world of diverse cuisines, give recipes like these a try. If you’re curious about other South African dishes, you might enjoy exploring [South African culinary treasures](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/south-african-bobotie-recipe) or [discovering more about waterblommetjies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aponogeton_distachyos).
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs lamb, cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 cups water
- 1 lb waterblommetjies (Cape pondweed flowers), cleaned and trimmed
- 4 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed lamb and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Step Three
Add the ground coriander, ground black pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
Step Four
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the 6 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
Step Five
Add the cleaned and trimmed waterblommetjies and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step Six
Stir in the lemon juice and sugar, adjusting the seasoning to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
