TOP TEN RECIPES OF 2016

Google’s top 10 list of searched-for recipes in South Africa last year is really a “mengelmoes ”—a wonderfully descriptive Afrikaans word meaning a real hotchpotch of flavours. Google’s “Year in Search” survey provides a snapshot of the trends that captured the nation’s interest over 2016.

It’s no surprise that two of South Africa’s traditional recipes are there, pickled fish and Malva pudding. Unbelievably, the midweek standby spaghetti bolognese also makes the list. South Africans are no slackers when it comes to nose-to-tail eating — long before it was fashionable — as we are great lovers of oxtail, which comes in at number two.

The biggest surprise must be the top trender, miso, a traditional Japanese seasoning paste used to make soups and in savoury and vegetable dishes. Made from soy beans or rice, barley and other ingredients, it is very rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals.

With rising food prices — and beacause he’s so nice — it’s no surprise that Jamie Oliver’s money-saving recipes have come in at number seven yet he’s beaten by a chef I’d never heard of, Canadian TV cook Anna Olson, a regular on the Food Network. Her speciality is baking. And that old schoolfete standby, Rice Krispies treats — a gooey combination of the popular breakfast cereal and melted marshmallows cut into squares — comes in at number nine. — Miso Oxtail Spaghetti bolognese Pork belly roast Anna Olson recipes Stuffed chicken recipes Save With Jamie recipes Pickled fish Rice Krispies treats Malva pudding