When rainy days come by and you’re stuck indoors, there’s no better time to get baking! Try this savoury cheese and beer pot bread on the braai or grill.

SERVES 6 // COOKING TIME 1 hour 10 min

INGREDIENTS
500 g self-raising flour
400 g tin corn kernels, drained
1 tsp salt
440 ml beer
Butter
3 spring onions, halved
60 g grated cheddar

METHOD
1. Mix the flour, corn and salt in a large bowl. Add just enough beer to form a soft dough (about 340 ml). Cover with a cloth and leave to rest for 20 minutes.
2. Grease a cast-iron pot with butter. Transfer the dough to the pot. Scatter spring onions on top and push down lightly; then sprinkle the cheese over.
3. Place the pot in the hot coals for 30 minutes. Put some coals on the lid of the pot to ensure even heat distribution. Tap the bread and listen for a hollow sound to check if it’s cooked.

Recipe & styling: Brita du Plessis
Photography: Kendall-Leigh Nash // HMimages.co.za

Ready to take your baking skills a step further? Make these bacon and cheese beer muffins!

The post Cheese and beer pot bread for the braai appeared first on MyKitchen.

When it comes to putting dinner on the table, the main aim of the game is to whip up a dish that’s rich in flavour and easy on your budget. If you think tasty food comes with a hefty price tag, read on, because we’re here to prove you wrong!

By Jana du Plessis

Know your flavours
When you think of your favourite meal, what makes it so special? Is it the fresh ingredients? The time it took to prepare? Or maybe the person who usually cooks it for you? While all three of those things contribute to making a tasty and memorable meal, ultimately, flavour and texture are the most important components for a smashing dish.

Let us explain: take something as simple as a burger. There’s the soft, doughy roll, topped with a juicy patty, a slice of melting cheese, succulent tomato, crisp lettuce and sour gherkin. While it doesn’t take much effort to assemble, the end result never disappoints. The secret to its success? An awareness of how ingredients will taste together.

According to plan
Start your planning by deciding on the main components of your dish: The protein, the starch and the flavour base. From there, make a list of flavourful items to add for extra depth. Here are our recommended ways to add flavour, bulk up your dishes and still have time to catch an episode of your favourite TV show before bed.

1. Chopped, grated or diced veggies add just the right amount of sweetness to salty-savoury protein.
TRY: R50 kidney-bean mince

2. Be creative with food applications. Experiment by using your favourite ingredients in new and interesting ways.
TRY: Pasta boerie meatballs

3. If the dish is meaty, add some fresh or pickled veg to cut through the richness.
TRY: Pulled-brisket tacos

4. Cook grains in stock for super easy flavour infusion.
TRY: 20-minute fish parcel

5. Use a wide variety of veggies for different textures and tastes.
TRY: Super-healthy beef and brown rice stir-fry

6. A one-pan dish is so easy to whip up, yet still makes for a really tasty meal. Plus, it’s a dream to wash up!
TRY: Lemony roast chicken and gravy

7. Homemade patties, fritters or meatballs easily take on whichever spices and flavours you add.
TRY: Cannellini bean burgers

8. What’s more fuss-free and budget-friendly than whipping up a nutritious soup?
TRY: Pea soup and Parma ham sandwiches

9. Take a trusted classic and add a special twist.
TRY: Zola Nene’s mielie pot breads with curry butter

10. Work with what you have – but keep it interesting!
TRY: Tuna and biscuit bake

What are your favourite low-budget, big-flavour dishes? Comment below!

The post 10 of the best budget-friendly dishes: The flavour edition appeared first on MyKitchen.