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Published: 2022-06-22 08:00:00 Updated: 2022-06-22 08:00:00
Posted June 22, 2022 8:00 a.m. EDT
By Nili Zaharony, WRAL contributor
Raleigh, N.C. — Potjie, pronounced “potchee” or “poyke”, is one of my favorite meals and styles of cooking. Potjie literally translates as “small pot food” and is something we learned about from the large South African community in Israel. Traditionally cooked in a 3-legged cast-iron pot over coals, you can create the most delicious stews and make dinner an experience that everyone will love.
Potjie, as a general rule, is very forgiving. The low and slow cooking method makes for the most delicious meals and any recipe I pull is usually very loosely followed. So if you’re not a great cook, you can still impress!
First things first, make sure you season your pot. This is like any other cast iron pan except most likely larger and heavier. If it’s your first time using your pot, scrub it with water and steel wool. Rinse it off and wipe the whole thing down with vegetable or canola oil. Take all racks out of your oven and preheat to the highest temperature (mine was 550 degrees). Place the pot in the oven and let it bake for at least 30 minutes.
There will be a ton of smoke so I recommend turning the fan on and possibly opening some windows. After 30 minutes, pull out the pot and carefully spread another layer of oil. I used a microfiber rag for this step and supplemented it with a spray oil because I didn’t want to burn myself. Another 30 minutes in the oven and my pot was ready to roll.
Pick your favorite vegetables. Keep in mind that they will be cooked for a long time so while delicious, something like zucchini will melt away into nothingness. Heartier vegetables are preferred. Some of our favorites include:
Line the bottom of your pot with a little oil. Cut your vegetables and protein into large chunks and throw in the pot. I like to add a large can of diced tomatoes and some cooking wine, maybe half a cup. Red wine for red meat and white wine for chicken. The low and slow method of cooking means you don’t need a ton of liquid.
Season with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs and spices strike your fancy. I usually add a couple bay leaves, allspice, fresh rosemary and thyme.
This is where good weather will work in your favor. Head over to your fire pit and pour in a pile of charcoal. Light your coals and, when they’re ready, carefully place your potjie on top. Use tongs to place a row of coals around the rim of the lid and go pour yourself a glass of lemonade.
The cooking will take 2-3 hours. You’ll be able to hear the boiling inside. When you’re ready for dinner, use some tongs and hot pads to lift the lid. Grab a ladle to scoop out all the deliciousness and enjoy!
Nili Zaharony is a Go Ask Mom contributor. She is the mom to 3 little ones (ages 5, 3, and 6 months) who keep her constantly on her toes.
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