Africa’s Bountiful Ocean
It’s been said that the coastline of Africa could feed all her people if only the shores were sustainably utilised. For South Africans this should come as no surprise. Our shorelines are rich with seafood from crayfish to prawns and numerous fish.
In this article we’ll explore the bounty of the sea by sharing some seafood recipes that we have tried and tested at Knorr. Seafood dishes with proudly South African ingredients and fail-proof methods to celebrate everything from pilchards to mussels and more.
Top Tip: When shopping for seafood make sure you are buying sustainably sourced items. Check out SASSI’s list of over-exploited species (Orange and Red) and make sure that you only consume ones on the Green list.
Let’s dig in with the four tastiest South African seafood ingredients:
- Perfect Pilchards
- Versatile Cape Hake
- Delicious Prawns
- Mouth-watering Mussels
1. Perfect Pilchards
Did you know that pilchards are just older (and larger) sardines? They both come from the family Clupeidae, which includes herring. These little fish are oily and tasty. We believe pilchards are perfect because they’re not only bursting with salty flavour, but they are also a great source of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
If you’re a fish fan, this recipe should be right up your alley. Check out our Spicy Pilchard and Spinach Bake recipe, using Knorr’s Curry Vegetable Soup for a seafood dish with a kick.
2. Versatile Cape Hake
Deep water Cape Hake is on the SASSI Green list, so you can go ahead and buy this seafood ingredient with confidence. Hake is such a versatile fish because it can be jazzed up with all sorts of punchy ingredients to make for memorable meals.
Try this Simple Lemon & Herb Baked Fish recipe, which is made in a Knorr Cook-In-Bag! Served on a bed of fragrant basmati rice, with a squeeze of fresh lemon, this might even beat your favourite fish and chips takeaway when it comes to flavour.
Top Tip: Thyme is one of the best herbs to use with fish. Sprinkle dried thyme over your hake before cooking, for an amplified taste sensation.
3. Delicious Prawns
Did you know that raw prawns (that are transparent and bluish) are sometimes referred to as green prawns? Prawns are one of the most popular items to come out of the ocean.
This crustacean is used throughout the world in many different types of seafood dishes. From Avocado Ritz in Paris, to Prawns on the Barbie in Brisbane, almost everyone delights in the pink meat of a freshly cooked prawn.
For a Southern African prawn dish with a little heat try this recipe: Peri Peri Prawns with Rice. This is one seafood dish you don’t want to miss out on!
4. Mouth-Watering Mussels
Did you know that mussels are filter feeders, which means they feed on minute particles of organic matter that they sieve from the water passing through them? These little molluscs can sift 68 litres of water a day.
Mussels cook quickly and are therefore great to pop into a dish at the last minute if you are under time pressure. Whip up some Mussels in a Creamy Garlic Sauce or the family to enjoy with crusty bread. In fact, freshly baked bread goes well with most seafood recipes and works a charm to soak up the garlic sauce of the meal. No leftovers here!
Get Experimenting with South African Seafood Today
Our South African seas’ delicious bounty will leave you with an endless supply of innovative seafood recipes. So, go out and find some seafood ingredients to try in your kitchen today.