heleenmeyer

Homemade vinaigrette

September 8, 2024 | Recipes

A classic vinaigrette (salad dressing) is typically a mixture of two-thirds oil and one-third acid, like vinegar or lemon juice. Here is a delicious recipe from @HeleenMeyer, to add to your repertoire. She says, playing with seasonings like lemon rind, mustard, herbs and spices makes it easy to have a different flavour profile every time you make this dressing. Different herbs will all lend different flavours. By making your own dressing, you know exactly what is in it, rather than a shop-bought version that can be very salty or even contain more sugar than you may realise.

Lemon & pea risotto with chicken

August 7, 2024 | Recipes

A lot of people think risotto is complicated to make, but it is actually really simple – all you need is a good recipe, like this yummy one from Heleen Meyer. Risotto is a popular Italian rice dish that can be served as a starter, main course or side dish. Arborio rice is a short grain rice and gives this dish its typical creamy, soft texture. Stock is gradually stirred into the rice so that it can cook slowly, but it
should not be cooked until it is completely soft. The Italians refer to this as ‘al dente’, as with pasta. In this recipe Heleen combines lemon, thyme and peas, which is absolutely delicious together.

Vegetarian hotpot

August 7, 2024 | Recipes

This recipe by Heleen Meyer, screams winter comfort food. It’s perfect for this cold weather we’re having. The creamy coconut sauce with chunks of vegetables and chickpeas will warm you up from the inside out. If you’re not a fan of brinjal (also called aubergine, or egg plant), use cauliflower florets as an alternative – they’re equally delicious in this recipe.

Introducing Heleen Meyer

July 8, 2024 | Meet an entrepreneur, News, Recipes

We at VanZylStead are fortunate to have Heleen Meyer as one of our chefs, showing us how to use seasonal produce and create delicious yet simple dishes. Heleen Meyer is an independent food consultant based in Cape Town. She’s a mom of two and is passionate about...

Butternut & goats’ cheese salad

June 7, 2024 | Recipes

Butternut and beetroot are a match made in heaven and with creamy goats’ cheese added, it becomes a flavour explosion like no other. This recipe by Heleen Meyer is definitely a showcase of a synergy of flavours, colours and textures. You either love or hate the unique tart and tangy flavour of goat’s cheese, but in this recipe, the slightly ‘wilder’ flavour of this cheese perfectly offsets the sweetness of the roasted butternut and beetroot. If you’re indeed, not a fan of goat’s cheese, a soft feta, pecorino or ricotta cheese can work just as well. The peppery flavour of rocket adds another layer and the nuttiness and touch of spice from the dukkah is all you need for a special platter of yumminess.

Roasted baby potatoes with cheese and herbs

June 5, 2024 | Recipes

As South African’s we love starchy sides and in particular … potatoes, in every shape and form! This potato recipe by Heleen Meyer, is certainly one to add to your repertoire. Cooked baby potatoes are crushed, drizzled with a glug of olive oil, topped with cheese and herbs, and roasted in a hot oven until golden brown and crispy. This side dish is really not a lot of effort, yet high in flavour – what more does one need? It will soon become a family favourite, and everyone will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen preparing this simple dish.

Roasted carrots & sweet potatoes

May 7, 2024 | Recipes

Heleen Meyer shows us how to make the most of carrots. The naturally sweet flavour of carrots allows you to do so many things with them, whether they are raw or cooked. You can boil, blanch, stir-fry, roast and even bake with them.
In this easy, delicious side dish, the naturally sweet taste of carrots and sweet potatoes is even better when these vegetables are roasted in the oven.
Serve this simple but very flavourful side dish with braaied fish, pork or grilled chicken.

Roasted cabbage & bacon with honey & mustard

April 23, 2024 | Recipes

Cabbage is one of those veggies, that you either love or hate. Heleen Meyer shows us how to make the most of this basic, and often forgotten veggie. Serve this as a side dish at your next braai or with grilled chicken, fish or even pork. So simple, so quick and so delicious.

Roasted tomato soup

April 3, 2024 | Recipes

Heleen shares her tomato soup recipe with us that is really easy to make and particularly flavourful. The soup is ideal for both a midweek meal and when entertaining family and friends.
heleenmeyer.co.za

Seasonal abundance

March 17, 2024 | Recipes

Heleen loves cooking with fruit. She tells us that summer fruit is not limited to breakfast, fruit salad or a dessert, but can be a delicious addition to a basic green salad. This combination is sure to be a showstopper at your next braai.
heleenmeyer.co.za

Simplicity