In The Kitchen – Boitumelo Maphothoma

After completing her university studies, Boitumelo Maphothoma, popularly known as @mealswithtumi, realised she’d made the wrong career choice. It was the preparation of food that she wanted to master

What are some of your earliest food memories? Cooking during family gatherings. I was always the first one in the kitchen. I grew up in Nelspruit, in a small village called Tsantsabela, and spent most of my teen years in Sabie. What was your first job and where does your passion for cooking stem

from? My first gig was working in a club/bar when I first moved to Jozi during my varsity days. Having to fend and cook for myself, I grew to love it and wanted to cook more for myself and others. I even started creating new recipes and exploring with food. Who do you look up to in the food

industry? I have a whole list of chefs I look up to, but Ree Drummond and Neil Anthony stand out. I love the simplicity of their meals, but I’m also inspired by how they run their own own race that is inspired by the environment. How they take on food, flavours and ingredients is a dream to watch.

What is your signature dish? Chicken Alfredo. I love the creaminess of the sauce, and I’m also a huge garlic fan. What food style are you most

comfortable with? I prefer easy, nonfussy but fun food. Which five ingredients are always in

your fridge? Garlic, black pepper, chilli, rosemary and onion. What's your go-to meal at a

restaurant?I hardly eat out but when I do, I order seafood. What aromas remind you of love and

why? The smell of onion and garlic, seasoned with rosemary and Italian herbs, being fried together. Whenever I catch a whiff of these, I know that a hearty and filling meal, sprinkled with love, is being prepared somewhere. What drink do you unwind with? A

glass of red wine, always!

What's your ultimate food goal? To be a sought-after private cook and food blogger. What food motto do you live by?

Keep the ingredients simple and don’t over-complicate food.