Potjiekos 101
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Any of our South African friends can turn off right now, this introduction is intended for those who have not been lucky enought to experience the delights of Potjiekos
The Potjie (little pot) is a cast-iron pot, usually round bellied and with three legs that is used to cook food (kos) over a low, slow heat. Because of its excellent heat distribution and retention the Poitjie can turn some of the toughest cuts of meat into delicious 'no-teeth-required' tender treats.
Originally from Europe, the Potjie was introduced to South Africa by the Dutch settlers (Jan Van Riebeeck en hulle), and subsequently introduced to the rest of Southern Africa on the Groot Trek (I haven'nt totally forgotten my history?).....Further north larger versions of the Potjie were in fact used to cook meddlesome missionairies...until Health & Safety starting kicking off and spoiling all the fun.
The beauty of the Potjie is that it not only produces mouth wateringly delicious food , but because it typically takes 2-4 hours to cook there is more time to drink Wine, Beer or Brandy & Coke. In England an added advantage is you can put the Potjie over the coals and run inside out of the rain and watch the Sport.
I am plotting a Lamb Shank in Red Wine Potjie for this weekend.....somewhere in Norfolk there is a very nervous lanb counting its shanks.......Ag Shame!
Those of you inspired to get your own Potjie can find a good selection at Susmans, who also have a large selection of other South African goodies. Missionairies are somewhat more difficult to source........
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