Five of our most popular recipes from 2020 to try at home

Although 2020 felt like a really long year, it has finally come to an end and we are already well into 2021. One of the defining factors of 2020 is the fact that many of us spent more time at home. This provided ample opportunity to experiment with some new recipes in the kitchen. We have selected five of our most popular recipes from 2020 so that you can see what was hot and cooking in our fellow South Africans’ kitchens during the 2020 lockdown period.

Most of these recipes are classic favourites that have stood the test of time. They are so easy to prepare but packed with flavour and deliciousness that you will be tempted to include them in your cooking schedule next week.

Peppermint Crisp Tart – A sweet deluxe dessert

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  Peppermint Crisp Tart: What is teatime without this sweet delight? Image: Supplied.

Number one on the list of five of our most popular recipes from 2020 is the humble peppermint crisp tart which needs no introduction to South Africans. It is an all-time favourite and a winner at every dinner or teatime table. No wonder that this lip-smackingly delicious dessert ranks number 1 on our list.

It is a simple combination of whipped cream, caramel condensed milk and grated peppermint crisp chocolate on a layer of tennis biscuits. The best part is that preparing a peppermint crisp tart only takes 15 minutes of your time whereafter you need to place it in the fridge for a few hours to set. Irrespective of its simplicity, this sweet treat is a South African classic that will always remain in fashion.

If you would like to remind yourself of the exact quantities required for this delicious dessert, click here.

Creamy Chicken A La King – an old classic that will not be dethroned

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  Creamy Chicken A La King: A dish that is indeed fit for a king. Image: Supplied.

Chicken A La King is one of those dishes many of us have grown up with. It is a timeless recipe that remains popular generation after generation. And why wouldn’t it? It ticks all the boxes for a hearty, delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t be surprised if your guests all come back for a second helping.

This classic Chicken A La King recipe is rich, creamy and tasty. In less than 30 minutes you can have this meal ready from scratch. Serve this easy dinner on rice, pasta, toast or even biscuits! You can also freeze any leftovers for another day. Click here for the recipe.

Spicy Prawn Curry – A flavourful dish from the heart of Durban

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  Spicy Prawn Curry: Authentic and tasty. Image: Supplied.

South Africa is home to a diversity of beautiful cultures. Each culture brings a rich heritage of traditional cuisine that is not to be missed. And this piquant prawn curry is exactly that. This recipe was born in the heart of Durban, where you will find the most delicious Indian cuisine. A combination of strong, fragrant spices transforms an otherwise ordinary prawn dish into a flavourful curry dish.  

 If you are a fan of hot food, you can load the number of chillies to suit your palate. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder curry, add a tin of coconut milk to reduce the heat and add a lovely creamy texture.

This dish is best served with rice, but it is also delicious with a roti or naan bread. For an evening of spicy Indian food, click here.

Chutney-Mayo Chicken Bake – A nostalgic dish

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  Chutney-Mayo Chicken Bake: A classic favourite. Image: Supplied.

Another high-ranking recipe of 2020 is this Chutney-Mayo Chicken Bake. This is also one of those classic recipes which get passed down from generation to generation. It is a no-nonsense, quick and easy meal to put together with minimum effort. The combination of chutney and mayonnaise result in a sweet and creamy, sticky sauce that makes you reach for the dishing spoon more than once.

This dish is pretty straightforward, however, if there is any secret to this dish, it is to make sure to use a good quality mayonnaise. Click here for this classic recipe.

Pineapple Fridge Tart – Love at first bite

Pineapple Fridge Tart: What’s not to love? Image: Supplied.

This pineapple fridge tart is the second dessert recipe that made it onto the five of our most popular recipes from 2020 list, proving that South Africans have a sweet tooth. This tart is super easy to prepare but so delicious that you may be crowned as the master baker when you serve it to your guests.

The simplicity lies in mixing most of the ingredients together. This delightful treat can be served as a dessert or as a fridge tart. When having it as a dessert, simply omit the biscuits and serve with ice cream instead. Click here for the recipe.

Our list of five of our most popular recipes is evidence that our traditional recipes are still very much loved and enjoyed in South Africa. So, why not give them a try?