An easy no-knead, overnight garlic focaccia recipe + my hyper fixation cucumber salad
a new restaurant and fabulous winter special
Hi friends, and welcome back to my newsletter. Today is officially the shortest day of the year (aka midwinter), and to celebrate, I’m plunging into the Atlantic Ocean to join the Polar Bear Club. I swim all year round and have always wanted to take part in what might seem like a crazy activity to some.
Even though the days slowly get longer from tomorrow, it feels like we’re only just entering the heart of the cold season. I’m in full nesting mode, seeking comfort on all levels—especially with food. At the same time, I’m focused on eating healthily, which always feels a bit more challenging now.
I’ve been making my cucumber salad (see below) and a ridiculously easy and delicious carrot salad on repeat. I’ll share that one as soon as I can. These, along with other wintery salads and my beef & barley soup, are helping me stay on track.
This warm salad of broccoli, new potatoes, artichokes & pesto is a fabulous wintery salad.
Easy No-Knead Garlic Focaccia Bread
If you love focaccia but feel a little intimidated by making bread, this recipe is for you. It uses a simple, high-hydration dough that rests overnight in the fridge—no kneading required.
I’ve layered garlic butter into the dough (both in the middle and on top) for extra flavour.
The result is soft, golden focaccia with crisp edges and a rich garlic bite. Perfect with soups, salads, or at your next braai or BBQ.
My hyper-fixation on cucumber salad
I could probably go so far as to say I’m a bit addicted to this salad. I make it at least 3 times a week. I have no issue using msg, which is quite the most brilliant flavour enhancer.
I don’t measure any of the ingredients and just throw everything into a large glass jar. I have used English cucumber in the past, but now I much prefer the crisper Mediterranean variety.
Slice the cucumbers on a mandolin into a container with a lid, and then add all the seasonings to your taste. I've added furikake, which is my twist on this recipe, and I've also omitted the raw garlic (I’m allergic), but you can decide if you want to include it.
Recipe (this is a rough guide; I honestly just measure a pinch of all the dry ingredients and then add a few splashes of the liquid). I go easy on the sesame oil and chilli crunch, but adapt it to your taste.
Recipe
½ an English cucumber or one Mediterranean cucumber (approx. 200 grams)
½ tsp sugar
½ tsp msg
¾ - 1 tsp sesame oil
½ - ¾ tsp chilli crunch
¾ tsp soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
2 tsp furikake seasoning
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
(Add a grated garlic clove if you like)
Slice the cucumber on a mandolin and add it to a container with a lid. Add all the seasonings and then give it a good shake.
In case you missed it, I shared how to make vanilla extract on my Instagram. It’s so easy to do.
Restaurant Specials
There’s no better time to eat out in Cape Town than in winter. So many restaurants offer incredible specials, making it the perfect season to visit some of the top-end spots and make the most of it.
The Pot Luck Club
I tried the new Prix Fixe menu at The Pot Luck Club Cape Town recently and it was superb. We tasted a lot of dishes, including the vegetarian swaps—one flavour-packed bite after the next. Their fish taco (slightly modified) will always be one of my favourite restaurant dishes.
You can choose between Lite (6 plates, R550 pp) or Loaded (8 plates, R795 pp) if you’re in the mood to linger. Highly recommend. Available until the end of September.
Also back: The Pot Luck Club Cape Town’s Winter Extravaganza Sunday Brunch. A ten-course feast with unlimited bubbly and a DIY Bloody Mary station. Perfect for brunch lovers or anyone wanting to elevate their winter weekends. Available in Cape Town only, R1250 per person.
Check out all the Prix Fixe specials on at the LDR group. of restaurants here.
The La Colombe Group have lovely weekday lunch menu specials across all their restaurants, including: La Colombe, La Petite Colombe, Pier (Eat Out 3 ★), and Protégé, Foxcroft, Waterside & Epice (Eat Out 2 ★).
Ongetem
Bertus Basson has opened his first sit-down Cape Town Restaurant at the new Canopy by Hilton Hotel, and I couldn’t be more excited. This is the first look.
I can’t wait to share my best-ever oxtail recipe next week, so keep a lookout.
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Sam x