This winter, it’s not just the food that’s heating up, it’s the flavours. Across South Africa, home cooks and chefs alike are reaching for bold, nostalgic, and globally inspired blends to turn everyday dishes into standout meals.
From slow-simmered stews to fragrant butter chicken, the real heroes of the season are the herbs and spices transforming comfort food into flavour-packed experiences.
According to Shelley Barnard, sales and marketing executive at Cape Herb & Spice, South Africans are embracing the power of these small but mighty ingredients, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
“Whether it’s cinnamon and nutmeg bringing warmth to baked goods or a pinch of cumin and coriander elevating a classic curry, herbs and spices are the backbone of winter cooking,” Barnard shares.
Winter cooking with trusted spice blends
Cape Town, named one of the world’s top food destinations, continues to lead the charge with its fusion of heritage flavours and modern techniques. Among the brands putting South African flavours on the map is Cape Herb & Spice, one of the country’s largest spice exporters, shipping to over 40 countries.
By blending local ingenuity with international standards, the company plays a role in positioning South Africa as a serious contender in the global flavour economy.
“For home cooks seeking to spice up their winter meals, tried-and-trusted spice blends that have already made their mark in kitchens across South Africa continue to make effortless cooking a reality.
“These top-performing mixes, known for their exceptional quality and convenience, allow South Africans to explore a world of flavour without the fuss, bringing depth, balance, and consistency to every dish,” Barnard says.
When selecting herbs and spices, consumers are increasingly looking for quality, traceability, and transparency.
Barnard says, “Consumers want to know where their food comes from, how it’s sourced, and that it meets the highest standards. Traceability and quality are at the heart of what we do, ensuring that every spice and herb delivers not just great taste, but integrity.”
TRY THIS DELICIOUS CAJUN SAUSAGE AND BEAN STEW RECIPE.
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Cajun Sausage & Bean Stew
Ingredients
- FOR THE SAUSAGES
- 500g pork bangers
- 30ml vegetable oil
- 200g white onion, finely chopped
- 100g carrots, finely chopped
- 100g celery, finely chopped
- 4 rashers streaky bacon, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 45ml tomato paste
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 large red pepper
- 30ml Cape Herb and Spice Louisiana Cajun Rub
- 15ml brown sugar
- 5ml red wine vinegar
- 50ml water
- 400g tin butter beans, drained
- Salt, to taste
- TO GARNISH
- Chopped parsely
- Chopped basil
Instructions
1) Add the oil to a large saucepan and fry the pork bangers until cooked. Remove bangers and set aside.
2) Add the onion, carrot, celery and bacon to the same saucepan and fry until the onion starts softening.
3) Add the garlic and fry for a further minute.
4) Add the rest of the ingredients except the salt and butterbeans, turn the heat down low, cover and simmer for a good 20 minutes.
5) Taste and adjust salt as needed.
6) Slice the pork bangers in half or in thirds and add them to the veggie mix along with the butter beans until they’re warmed through.
7) Garnish with chopped parsley and a few basil leaves and tuck in.
