Cooking with Culture: Recipes for the Traveling Family

The aroma of spices, the laughter of family, and the stories woven into each bite – that's what cooking with culture is all about. As a South African living in Germany, my kitchen has become a melting pot of flavors and traditions. Join me as we explore family-friendly recipes inspired by our travels, perfect for creating delicious memories at home.

Introduction: A Culinary Journey Begins at Home

Food is more than just sustenance; it's a window into the heart of a culture. I remember when Hans, my husband, and I took Liesel to visit my family in South Africa. The first thing my mother did was gather us in the kitchen to prepare a traditional Bobotie. Liesel, who was usually a picky eater, was fascinated by the blend of spices and the sweet chutney topping. That day, we didn't just make a meal; we created a lasting connection to our heritage. Now, we love to recreate dishes from our travels, adapting them to be both delicious and manageable for our family. It's a fantastic way to share our adventures and introduce new flavors to Liesel.

South African Flavors: Bobotie Bites

Bobotie is a South African staple, a spiced minced meat dish with a custard topping. It's warm, comforting, and full of flavor. However, the traditional recipe can be a bit complex. So, I've simplified it into Bobotie Bites – perfect for little hands and taste buds!

Recipe: Bobotie Bites

• Ingredients:
• 500g minced beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 apple, grated
• 1 tbsp curry powder (mild)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 slice of bread, soaked in milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp chutney
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Custard Topping:
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• Pinch of turmeric

• Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, combine minced meat, onion, apple, spices, soaked bread, egg, and chutney. Mix well.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon the mixture into muffin tins.
• Whisk together the egg, milk, and turmeric for the custard topping.
• Pour a spoonful of custard over each muffin.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tip: Start with a small amount of curry powder and let the kids taste the mixture before baking. You can always add a little more for the adults! Bobotie is a reflection of South Africa's diverse cultural influences, blending Malay spices with Dutch and British culinary traditions. It's often served with yellow rice, chutney, and a side salad.

German Delights: Käsespätzle Fun

Moving from sunny South Africa to Germany, I quickly learned that Käsespätzle is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a cheesy noodle dish that's incredibly satisfying, especially on a cold day. Making Spätzle from scratch can be a fun activity for the whole family.

Recipe: Käsespätzle

• Ingredients:
• 250g flour
• 2 eggs
• A pinch of salt
• Approx. 100ml sparkling water
• 200g grated cheese (Emmentaler or Gruyère)
• 2 onions, sliced and fried in butter

• Instructions:
• In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the eggs and sparkling water and mix to a smooth dough. It should be viscous and sticky.
• Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Use a Spätzle maker or a potato ricer to press the dough into the boiling water. Alternatively, spread the dough on a chopping board and cut thin stripes from it with a knife into the boiling water.
• As soon as the Spätzle float to the top, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl.
• Mix the Spätzle with the grated cheese and fried onions.
• Serve hot.

Variation: Sneak in some finely chopped spinach or grated carrots for an extra dose of veggies. Käsespätzle varies regionally in Germany. In some areas, they add beer to the dough or use different types of cheese. It's a staple at family gatherings and festive occasions.

Italian Adventure: Pizza Margherita Minis

Who doesn't love pizza? Pizza Margherita, with its simple yet vibrant flavors, is a classic Italian dish that's easy to make with kids. These mini pizzas are perfect for little hands and allow for plenty of customization.

Recipe: Pizza Margherita Minis

• Ingredients:
• Pre-made pizza dough or English muffins
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• Fresh basil leaves

• Instructions:
• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
• If using pizza dough, roll it out and cut into small circles. If using English muffins, split them in half.
• Spread tomato sauce on each pizza base.
• Top with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Suggestion: Set up a pizza topping station with various veggies, meats, and cheeses. Let the kids get creative with their own mini pizzas. Pizza Margherita is said to have been created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy. The colors – red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil) – represent the Italian flag.

Asian Exploration: Mild Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its creamy, flavorful sauce. While traditional Butter Chicken can be quite spicy, this recipe is tailored for younger palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.

Recipe: Mild Butter Chicken

• Ingredients:
• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned.
• Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
• Add onion to the pan and cook until softened. Add garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
• Stir in garam masala and turmeric.
• Add crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
• Return chicken to the pan and cook until heated through.
• Serve with rice or naan bread.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish. Butter Chicken originated in Delhi in the 1950s. It quickly gained popularity worldwide and is now a staple in Indian restaurants globally.

Mexican Fiesta: Quesadilla Creations

Quesadillas are a go-to for a quick, easy, and customizable meal. They’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to incorporate a variety of fillings to suit everyone's taste. Plus, they’re fun for kids to make!

Recipe: Quesadilla Creations

• Ingredients:
• Flour tortillas
• Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Optional fillings: cooked chicken or beef, black beans, corn, bell peppers, avocado

• Instructions:
• Sprinkle cheese on one half of a tortilla.
• Add your choice of fillings.
• Fold the tortilla in half.
• Cook in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown.
• Cut into wedges and serve.

Nutritious Twist: Add black beans, corn, and mashed avocado for a boost of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. Quesadillas have been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries, evolving from simple cheese-filled tortillas to the diverse range of fillings we see today. They are a staple at family gatherings and street food stalls alike.

Tips for Cooking with Kids: Making it a Family Affair

Cooking with kids is not just about making a meal; it's about creating memories and teaching valuable life skills. Here are a few tips to make it a fun and successful experience:

• Age-Appropriate Tasks: Assign tasks based on your child's age and abilities. Younger children can help with washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or sprinkling toppings. Older children can measure ingredients, chop vegetables (with supervision), or read the recipe.
• Create a Fun Atmosphere: Put on some music, wear silly hats, and don't be afraid to get messy! The goal is to have fun and create positive associations with cooking.
• Make it a Learning Experience: Talk about where the ingredients come from, how they grow, and their nutritional value. Discuss the cultural significance of the dish you're making and share stories from your travels.
• Be Patient: Things will take longer, and there will be spills and messes. Embrace the chaos and focus on the process, not just the end result.

Cooking with culture is a wonderful way to connect with your family, explore new flavors, and create lasting memories. So, gather your little chefs, put on your aprons, and embark on a culinary adventure together!