In this book, Fatima Sydow takes us on a nostalgic journey through the memories of the many important feasts celebrated in her Cape Malay culture, starting with old-school family favourites she remembers from her upbringing on the Cape Flats. There are also stories of Ramadaan, Labarang, a wedding in the community, and fond recollections of the festive season. Her memories are interwoven with recipes for salt and pepper chicken, bean curry, Ramadaan boeka plates, Labarang sweet treats and desserts, as well as her ultimate braai ideas.
Extract
MEMORIES OF RAMADAAN
In the late afternoon during the month of Ramadaan, my mother would call us to the kitchen to help her with preparing what would be eaten that evening to break our fast. And every night, without fail, it was – and still is to this day – a simple split-pea and vegetable soup with marrow bones. Not a meal like curry and rice, just soup and cakes and savouries. I fondly called them the “usual suspects”: daltjies (chilli bites), fritters, bollas, pancakes, samoosas,
