Taste the Exquisite Dishes Prepared at Motswari

Beyond the plains of necessity, food plays an extremely important role in lives and is a constant source of pleasure and comfort. To enjoy food together as a celebration of social occasions – no matter how big or small – is one of the most enjoyable parts of being alive.

Dining at Motswari is always an occasion. Meals are a time for guests to come together and share the wonders of their safari experience whilst relishing flavours that are unique to Africa. Our motto – “arrive as a visitor, leave as a friend” – is a heart-felt promise and all who have enjoyed mealtimes at Motswari will attest to how very special and unforgettable they are. Meals are savoured under the magnificent star-strewn African sky, alongside a roaring fire, or inside the traditional open-air boma, surrounded by an assortment wild sounds typical of the bushveld, and mostly include the occasional visit by some wandering, inquisitive four-footed friends. This extraordinary natural setting becomes your very own personal dining room and no one does it better than the dedicated team at Motswari.

Breakfast at Motswari is served after the gorgeous daybreak safari and is prepared in a buffet-style with a wide variety of cold options (such as fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, a selection of cheeses and cold meats and more) to accompany a hot breakfast of your choice. This is served al-fresco on the verandah, and is accompanied by the wonderful orchestra of morning bird songs and animals coming alive to start a new day in the bush. Nature lovers will attest to the fact that all food just tastes better outdoors!

Before the afternoon game drive beckons, a light buffet-style lunch is served. This comprises a delicious, fresh assortment of salads, warm homemade bread, and a selection of creative meat and vegetarian options, followed by a delectable homemade dessert to fill your belly before embarking on your next safari adventure into the wilderness.

Dinner, arguably the most celebratory meal of the day at Motswari, is an opportunity for everyone – guests and staff alike – to come together and share stories around the campfire over a few glasses of delicious award-winning South African wine, or local beer. It is the time to connect, and the atmosphere is always one of celebration and gratitude. The food reflects this in the rich, yet simple flavours that make use of fresh, local ingredients for a unique African taste experience. As with lunch, the menu changes on a daily basis and the creative team in the kitchen are constantly inspired to serve food that not only arouses the taste buds, but food that also comforts the soul and reflects the wonderful, unique spirit of Motswari. Unique ingredients, indigenous to the landscape can be found in the variety of dishes on offer and will satisfy both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.

A typical dinner occasion at Motswari will begin with a delicious, vegetarian soup served with hot, homemade bread rolls, followed by a selection of creative, African-inspired, main courses. Examples include: Cajun spiced venison fillet, served with a red wine jus; stuffed pork fillet with local spiced dried fruits; trout, leek and lime herb parcels; chick pea casserole; boerewors crockpot; and delicious, steaming vegetable stews cooked in the traditional potjie. Round your meal off with a selection of South African cheeses, or a local, steaming hot malva pudding and your soul will be eternally grateful…. hungry yet?

The taste of South Africa is tangible at Motswari, and the atmosphere of fireside chatter, new friendships being formed, and a natural setting beyond your wildest imagination just enhances how very unique and special it is. The care that is put into the thoughtful preparation of each dish is reflected in the sheer pleasure of guests’ mealtime experiences at the lodge. It is truly unforgettable and a memoir in itself.

Recreate your own exquisite taste of Motswari with these recipes from our kitchen team for you to try at home:

Motswari Spinach and Roast Onion Soup

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 6 medium onion slices and roasted in the oven
• 3 X 500 g packets spinach
• 3 X medium potatoes – peeled and sliced
• 600 ml chicken stock
• 600 ml full cream milk
• 100 ml cream
• Salt and pepper
• 100 g butter

Method

Place the butter and onions in a medium heat oven and roast until the onions are cooked through (this will take about 45 min).
Cook potatoes in a pot with the stock and cook till soft.
Add the chopped up spinach.
Liquidise the soup to create a smooth soup.
Add the milk and cream and check the seasoning.
Garnish with cream.

Just before serving crumble some feta over.

Boerewors Casserole

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 30 ml olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium sticks celery, finely chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 3 fat garlic cloves, chopped
• 800 g boerewors sausages
• 1½ tsp sweet smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 800 g tins cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
• 5 ml thyme
• 250 ml chicken stock
• 5 ml black pepper

Method

Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan.
Add the onion and cook gently for 5 minutes.
Add the celery and peppers and cook for a further 5 mins.
Add the sausages and fry the sausages for 5 minutes, then stir in the garlic, spices and dried thyme and continue cooking for 1 – 2 mins or until the aromas are released.
Pour in the tinned tomatoes, and fresh thyme and stock bring to a simmer for 40 minutes. Season with black pepper and serve.

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