All Things South African

Biltong, a beloved South African snack, is a flavourful dried meat treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home using a food dehydrator. 

Prepare the Meat:
Begin by thinly slicing the beef into strips, cutting against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Marinate the Meat:
In a bowl, combine the malt vinegar, coarse salt, brown sugar, ground coriander, black pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavourful marinade. Coat the meat strips thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well covered. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for an intensified flavour.

Pat Dry:
After marinating, remove the meat from the bowl and pat each strip dry with paper towels. This step ensures a smoother dehydrating process.

Load the Dehydrator:
Arrange the marinated meat strips on the trays of your food dehydrator, ensuring they are not touching to promote even drying. Set the dehydrator to 68°C, the optimal temperature for biltong.

Dehydrate:
Allow the meat to dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until it reaches your desired level of dryness. Biltong is traditionally enjoyed with a bit of moisture, so don't let it become overly dry.

Check for Readiness:
Periodically check a few pieces for readiness by bending them. They should be dry on the outside but still slightly moist on the inside.

Store and Enjoy:
Once your biltong is ready, let it cool before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for longer shelf life or enjoy it immediately for a delicious homemade South African snack.

By making your own biltong at home with a food dehydrator, you not only experience the joy of crafting this South African delight but also savour the satisfaction of enjoying a snack made with your hands and heart. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your friends with your homemade biltong expertise! Visit our store and you will find that we have one of these food dehydrators for you to make your own delicious biltong at home!

Malva pudding is a sweet and sticky South African dessert. It is a type of baked pudding that is made with apricot jam and has a spongy, caramelised texture. The dessert is typically served warm and is often accompanied by a creamy sauce, such as a vanilla custard or a scoop of ice cream.

Malva pudding is a popular and comforting dessert in South Africa, enjoyed at family gatherings, special occasions, and often featured on restaurant menus. It has a deliciously sweet and gooey consistency, making it a favourite among those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

For the Pudding:

- 240 grams all-purpose flour
- 5 grams baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 200 grams sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 15 milliliters apricot jam
- 15 milliliters vinegar
- 240 milliliters milk

For the Sauce:

- 240 milliliters heavy cream
- 200 grams sugar
- 115 grams unsalted butter
- 60 milliliters hot water
- 5 milliliters vanilla extract
- 30 milliliters brandy or rum (optional)


Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, and then add the apricot jam and vinegar. Stir until the jam is dissolved.

5. Add the wet ingredients (milk mixture) to the beaten eggs and sugar, mixing well.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the pudding is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

For the Sauce:

1. While the pudding is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, butter, and hot water. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and brandy or rum if using.

Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour half of the hot sauce over the hot pudding. Allow the pudding to absorb the sauce for a few minutes, then pour the remaining sauce over the top. Let the pudding stand for a few more minutes to soak up the delicious sauce.

You can serve the Malva Pudding warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

Feel free to visit our baking section to see what our shop has to offer!

Indulge in the true taste of South Africa with us here at South African Spaza Shop, your go-to destination for authentic South African snacks in the heart of the Swindon. We take pride in bringing you the best of South African flavours, and today, we're excited to introduce our top 5 best-selling snacks that have been winning hearts and taste buds here in Wiltshire. 

Biltong - A South African Classic

Step into the world of South African tradition with our best-selling biltong. This air-dried, cured meat snack is a true South African classic, offering a perfect blend of savory, salty, and slightly tangy flavours. Savour the authenticity of thinly sliced, seasoned beef that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of South Africa.

Willards Flings - The Crunchy Corn Snack Sensation

Experience the addictive crunch of Willards Flings, a beloved South African snack. These light and airy maize snacks are bursting with flavour, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, Willards Flings are the perfect companion for snack enthusiasts.

Simba Ghost Pops - Spooky Fun with a Crunch

Add a playful twist to your snacking routine with Simba Ghost Pops. These ghost-shaped maize snacks are not only visually appealing but also deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Simba Ghost Pops bring a touch of South African fun to snack time.

Ouma Rusks Buttermilk Biscuits - Timeless Comfort

Discover the comforting taste of Ouma Rusks Buttermilk Biscuits, a South African tradition that has stood the test of time. These double-baked buttermilk biscuits are perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or tea, providing a taste of home and a moment of pure indulgence.

Bakers Romany Creams Chocolate Biscuits - Chocolate Bliss in Every Bite

For a decadent treat, indulge in Bakers Romany Creams Chocolate Biscuits. These sandwich cookies are filled with a luscious chocolate cream, creating a heavenly combination of crisp biscuit and smooth chocolate. Elevate your snacking experience with this South African favourite.

Ready to embark on a South African snacking adventure? Ordering your favorite treats from South African Spaza Shop is quick and easy. Explore our store to discover a wide range of authentic South African snacks, and have them delivered straight to your door in the UK.

Peppermint Crisp Pudding the Ultimate South African Pudding

This traditional South African Dessert is best left to set for a few hours in the fridge or overnight if you can resist till the next day.