Collaboration has always been at the heart of progress, and Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the beauty of togetherness—whether it’s the diversity of our cultures or the rich, flavourful combinations in our food. Over September, Wonderbag has embraced this spirit of unity by celebrating South Africa’s favorite culinary pairings that embody the warmth and flavour of home, like the iconic Durban curry matched with perfectly cooked rice.
For Sarah Collins, Founder of Wonderbag, the Indian markets of central Durban served as an early source of inspiration. “The spices in those markets would transport me to faraway places filled with exotic aromas and vibrant laughter,” she recalls. “But I didn’t yet have the confidence to create my own curry from scratch. That all changed when I started using a Wonderbag. I began experimenting with my own lamb curry recipe, and after many attempts, I finally perfected it. Now, it’s a staple at my Sunday lunches, and everyone always comes back for seconds!”
In the spirit of sharing, Sarah has disclosed her tasty Wonderbag Lamb Curry recipe below to serve as a delicious example of how the Wonderbag helps preserve the rich traditions of slow-cooked meals while allowing modern cooks to save time and energy. Many more Mzansi-inspired recipe pairings have been shared online via Wonderbag’s social media platforms to be enjoyed by all South Africans.
Sarah’s Wonderbag Lamb Curry Recipe
Ingredients
2 Tbsp sunflower oil
2 ½ pounds lamb chops (on the bone)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 chilies, chopped
2 garlic cloves, diced
2 Tbsp fresh ginger, crushed
3 Tbsp mild or medium curry powder
28 oz can chopped, peeled tomatoes
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
14 oz cans butter beans, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup cucumber, peeled and shredded
2 bananas, sliced
4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the lamb in 2 Tbsp of oil for 2 minutes on each side, then set aside.
Step 2: Sauté onions, then add chilies, garlic, ginger, and curry powder for 2 minutes. Return the lamb to the pot, season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add tomatoes and 1 cup of water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Add butter beans and tomato paste, then let it boil for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Place the lidded pot into the Wonderbag and leave it to cook for 4-5 hours.
Step 5: Mix grated cucumber and yogurt in a small bowl.
Step 6: Serve the curry over rice with the yogurt mixture and banana slices as toppings.
Wonderbag’s Perfect Rice: A Game-Changer
“For those who struggle to cook rice just right—whether it turns out gluggy or undercooked—Wonderbag offers a simple, foolproof method. By combining slow-cooking with its innovative heat-retention technology, Wonderbag helps you achieve perfectly fluffy rice every time, making it the ideal companion for any meal,” explains Collins.
Wonderbag Rice Method
Step 1: Double the water-to-rice ratio (e.g., 1.5 cups of rice, 3 cups of water).
Step 2: Wash the rice thoroughly.
Step 3: Add coconut oil for extra flavor (this is optional)
Step 4: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer to the Wonderbag and set a timer for 40 minutes.
Step 6: The key: Fluff the rice after 40 minutes, and it’s ready to serve!
Collins concludes by saying, “This Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the combinations that make our meals, communities, and cultures richer. Wonderbag’s versatile cooking method not only honours the tradition of slow-cooked meals but also brings families together over healthy, hearty dishes.”
For more information about Wonderbag, visit https://www.wonderbagworld.com/.
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