and accidentally created my new personality trait"
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones created on a whim, the kind that
turn out so good you immediately try to retrace every step. We're ending the year with some soft, cheese-stuffed, creamy garlic rolls, perfect for holiday braais/BBQs.
I've always loved making homemade garlic rolls. While shop-bought versions
are convenient, nothing compares to the taste and texture of homemade. You
have full control over the flavour, the garlic level and, most importantly,
the softness. These rolls bake up beautifully soft, with a creamy centre and
a buttery garlic sauce that soaks right through.
What makes these soft cheese-stuffed creamy garlic rolls even better is how
incredibly easy they are to prepare. The rolls pull apart effortlessly once
baked, with melted cheese running through the centre and a creamy garlic
sauce coating every bite. They're perfect for serving fresh out of the oven,
whether it's for a casual dinner or alongside a main
meal.
As I said, these rolls are ideal for a Braai or BBQ, where you
want a crowd-pleasing side that doesn't require last-minute stress. Another bonus is how freezer-friendly this recipe is. You can
prep them in advance, freeze them, and simply thaw before baking.
The creamy garlic
sauce can be made separately and frozen for future batches, making it even
more convenient. If you ever find yourself with extra cream or cream cheese,
this is a great way to avoid waste while ensuring you always have the base
ready for a fresh tray of soft cheese-stuffed, creamy garlic rolls whenever
the craving hits.
"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.
and then there's Yorkshire-pudding-with-a-roast cosy"
Nothing like some hot Yorkshire Puddings to serve alongside a lovely
Sunday roast. This is one of the simplest recipes, and once you have the
knack of making the batter and watching them bake a few times, you'll be an
expert with them.
Usually, I just use the packet mix, my sister or dad brings back home
from their UK trips, but those packets don't last forever, and that's where
I come in. To be fair, even when I move to the UK next year, I'll
still make them from scratch...Now I'm yet to nail a big York Pud, but I'll keep
trying.
I've shared some important notes below.
The main thing is getting the exact measurements of the 3 main
ingredients (eggs, milk and flour).
Start with how many mL the eggs come to, and that will be how much
milk and flour to add. The size of the eggs matters, so my measurements will not be
exact, since every time I make Yorkshire Puddings, they will be slightly
different. But I always use 4 eggs, and my mixture yields around 18-20 Yorkshire
Puddings in a cupcake tin.
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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