GARDEN SUCCOTASH

Succotash is a dish of maize and beans combined

Serves 4

500ml (2 cups) cooked samp

250ml (1 cup) vegetable stock

100g cauliflower

A handful of spinach

100g broccoli

100g butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon

Vegetable oil

50g raw peanuts

6 pumpkin blossoms, torn (optional) A handful of fresh basil or other fresh herb

In a pot heat up the samp and vegetable stock. Add all the vegetables — cauliflower, spinach and broccoli to the samp mixture and simmer until the vegetables are cooked.

Add the butter and stir to emulsify the vegetable stock. The starch in the samp will assist in forming a light emulsion. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. In a separate pan heat up a little oil and toast the raw peanuts. Finish off the succotash with the toasted peanuts, pumpkin blossoms (if using) and fresh herbs.

Recipes and images from Being Bertus Basson, published by Jacana, R395

WHAT IS GARDEN DAY?

Gardens, no matter how big or small, have the potential to bring people together. The idea of an annual day was sprouted by a group of enthusiastic gardeners who wanted to start a movement to unite South Africans by creating a day where everyone can enjoy and celebrate their gardens together.