“Warning: may cause sudden fork attacks and zero self-control.”
I absolutely love side dishes and I think I’ll always be in my “side
era”. No matter what the main is, I’m always the one piling my plate with
all the sides first. I’m constantly on the lookout for new ones to try,
tweak, and share, and this Creamy Avocado Salad instantly earned
its place on that list.
I first tasted this creamy avo salad at a Braai (BBQ), and it was one of those
moments where you keep going back for “just one more spoonful”. Aunty
Tahera was kind enough to share the recipe with me because I couldn’t stop
raving about it. There’s just something special about those family-style
dishes that are shared with love and laughter. This recipe already had
heart; I simply had to bring it into my own kitchen.
Of course, I couldn’t resist tweaking it slightly to add my own spin. I
adjusted the dressing to keep it extra creamy while still zesty, and
played around with the texture of the avocado to get that perfect bite.
This creamy avocado salad makes an ideal side for braais and BBQs,
complementing everything from grilled meats and chicken to seafood or
vegetarian dishes. Best of all, it comes
together quickly, perfect for when you need a last-minute side that still
wows. I’ve enjoyed it alongside roast chicken, but having it with my mango chicken burgers (recipe coming soon) was by far my favourite pairing.
Summer calls for light, crisp sides, and this Chipotle Sweet Potato
Coleslaw ticks every box. It is vibrant, fresh and full of flavour, making
it the perfect upgrade to your everyday coleslaw. Whether you are planning a
casual lunch or a family gathering, this recipe brings colour and balance to
the table.
If you follow me on social media you know how much I love sweet potatoes
and purple cabbage. Sweet potatoes are packed with fibre, complex
carbohydrates and antioxidants, making them a nourishing addition to any
meal. Paired with crunchy purple cabbage, which is rich in vitamins C and K
as well as powerful anthocyanins, this coleslaw is as nutritious as it is
beautiful. Both ingredients are particularly supportive for those managing
PCOS, helping with blood sugar balance and overall gut health.
The real flavour boost comes from the Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce,
which add a smoky flavour without overpowering the freshness of the slaw.
This makes it an ideal braai or BBQ side, pairing beautifully with grilled
chicken, steak or even halloumi. It is bold enough to stand out, yet
versatile enough to complement a wide range of mains.
With Ramadan approaching, this Chipotle Sweet Potato Coleslaw works wonderfully as a
healthy side for iftar, offering nourishment without feeling heavy. It can
be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week, making it perfect
for meal prep during busy summer days.
TikTok
@spicyfusionkitchen "Not your average slaw. She's sweet and spicy" - Chipotle Sweet Potato Coleslaw 🍠🤤 I'm in my side dish era and this summer heat is calling all the crisp sides that just fits any main meal. The Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce gives the slaw dressing a nice smokiness. Full Recipe - www.spicyfusionkitchen.com #chipotle#salad#sidedish#food#foodtiktok♬ LOCO MEXICANO - Areggy & ODK Beats
"My purple onions are living their best Sumac life"
If there’s one thing I love in the kitchen, it’s a recipe that makes me
feel like I’ve done a lot when really, I’ve done almost nothing. Enter
Sumac Onions, the ultimate “fake it
till you make it” side dish. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep,
you can whip up a bowl of
flavour-packed, Middle Eastern-inspired onions
that taste incredible.
Let’s talk flavour, because these onions aren’t just onions, they’re
onions with attitude. Thanks to the
sumac, adding a
tangy flavour to the onions. The fresh parsley adds a bright lift, while a squeeze of lemon juice gives a citrusy zing
that cuts through richer dishes.
The
sumac adds a Middle Eastern flair, a nod to its roots in
Turkish, Lebanese, Syrian, and Persian cuisine, where it has long been used to brighten grilled meats, rice, and
salads. Tossing these simple ingredients together gives you a
fusion kachumar, a play on a South-Asian side salad, that’s tangy,
fresh, and surprisingly lifting.
The first time I made it, I paired it with comforting
dhaal, then tried it alongside
biryani, and wow, what a combo!
The freshness of parsley and the zing of sumac onions balanced the rich,
spiced dishes perfectly. I also served them with my mum’s chicken and vegetable skewers, tucked into naan with a dollop
of yoghurt chutney. Recently you may have seen it added to the Viral Döner Kebab Wraps I made (recipe here). Quick, easy,
and ridiculously versatile, these
Sumac Onions elevate almost any
meal the ultimate easy topping for pitas and wraps.
This vibrant and refreshing Miso Carrot Salad is my twist on the
viral Asian-style carrot and cucumber ribbon salad that’s been taking
Instagram and TikTok by storm. My sister was actually the one who
recommended I try it, and now I completely understand the hype!
In true Spicy Fusion Kitchen style, I’ve added my own spin:
White Miso. This umami-packed ingredient adds a beautiful depth of
flavour and gives the dressing that addictive savoury note we all love. My
sister brought me a jar during her visit, and let’s just say I’ve been
putting it to good use! That said, the miso is totally optional,I’ve made this salad without it, and it’s still bursting with
flavour. You can also mix things up by adding
shredded purple cabbage or cucumber ribbons for more crunch and
colour, which I've also done.
This salad comes together in minutes with minimal prep and was a total hit
at my family lunch table, there were barely any leftovers! Whatever dressing
remains can easily be reused, just toss in more carrots or fresh veggies,
and it's ready for your next meal.
This Miso Carrot Salad makes a great side dish with a variety of meals.
You could try it with; sticky sesame chicken or teriyaki salmon,
grilled tofu, fried rice, sushi, or noodle stir-fry, BBQ/Braai dishes,
steak, Korean fried chicken, burgers, grilled or oven baked chicken. Really
the options are endless, you'll see how this pairs with just about
everything.
Hey, I’m Zainab — cooking (and eating) is how I embrace my chubby cheeks, and bring a little joy to the kitchen! I love blending flavours, spices, and cultures to create recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Think bold spices, fusion twists, and meals that are fancy enough to impress but easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
Every recipe I share is something we’ve actually eaten at home — no food styling fakery here (well, maybe just a bit of garnish magic). My step-by-step photos and videos walk you through every stage, so whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll plate up something delicious and beautiful in no time.
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