TODAY, the US is celebrating its Independence Day, and it’s funny because I personally knew of the date from it being mentioned in every American show, movie or TV series. This is before one could understand the significance and symbolism of the day.
It is a day taken seriously, understandably so. Picnics, spending time with families and celebrations are the order of the day. That means food, food and more food. How do we join in on their celebrations through food?
In my opinion, by preparing one of their traditional recipes and giving it a South African twist. Therefore, for this week’s column, we are celebrating with the US with grilled chicken served with a local dish known as ushatini by the Zulu culture. The chicken breasts are marinated for 24 hours, allowing all the flavours to get absorbed. One can also braai the chicken breasts instead of grilling them. Ushatini balances out the bolder flavours from the chicken.
Ushatini can be eaten raw or cooked. In Cape Town, the cooked version is known as a smoor; in the Eastern Cape, we call it iBisto.
I have added avocados to the salsa as they are in season.
Happy Independence Day to the US, and I hope you try out the recipes.
THE RECIPE
Chicken:
30ml (2Tbsp) balsamic vinegar
30ml (2Tbsp) soya sauce
15ml (1Tbsp) golden syrup
2 garlic cloves, minced
5ml (1tsp) fresh ginger, chopped
75ml (5Tbsp) olive oil
5ml (1tsp) crushed chillies
2.5ml (½tsp) salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2.5ml (½tsp) whole coriander
2.5ml (½tsp) dried rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
4 free-range chicken breasts
Ushatini:
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, cut into cubes
Juice of half a lemon
Few sprigs of fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Method:
1. In a large zip-lock bag, mix balsamic vinegar, soya sauce, golden syrup, garlic, ginger, oil, chillies, salt, black pepper, coriander, rosemary and thyme.
2. Combine well and add the chicken breasts. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for ±24 hours.
3. Oil and preheat grill. Grill each side for 5 minutes
4. For Ushatini: mix all the ingredients together. Serve with the grilled chicken breast.
l See www.mzansistylecuisine.co.za