Delicious Dining in the Dark


Delicious Dining in the Dark

Tired of the same load-shedding dinner? Whether you are cooking for one, two, or five, dinner can become a stressful thought when you know the power is going off. With these simple, healthy, and fun load-shedding-safe dinners suitable for all seasons, you can decide what kind of evening you want to have.


Chicken and Couscous Stir Fry - Stove Top or Skottel Gas Option


Make a healthy and flavoursome stir fry on a gas Skottel or gas stove top.  


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Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion
  • 3 deboned chicken breasts 
  • 1 red cabbage
  • 1 red onion
  • 3 carrots 
  • 1/2 bag of spinach
  • Soya sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp of pepper
  • Couscous (1 cup = 2 servings)

Instructions:

  • Heat oil on an aluminium Skottel top or in a Wok on a gas stove top.
  • Add finely chopped onion. Once browned, add finely chopped chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic.
  • Add finely chopped red onion and red cabbage
  • Cut carrots long ways and add.
  • Add soya sauce and simmer on reduced heat.
  • Remove from top and heat 3 cups of boiling water in a pot on a gas top until lukewarm. Add to bowl of couscous until covered. Cover with a dish towel.
  • After 5 minutes, uncover bowl and use a fork to break up couscous until fluffy. Add to stir-fry and mix on medium heat, adding soya sauce as desired.




Butternut and Red Pepper Soup – Gas Option


This wholesome vegetarian option is full of flavour and packed with nutritional value.


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Ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • 1 butternut
  • 1 sweet potato
  • 1 red pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 red onion
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 chicken stock cube
  • Coriander
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 250ml cream

Instructions:

  • Peel and cube butternut and sweet potato. Add to pot of water.
  • Add crumbled chicken stock cube.
  • Boil on gas until water has evaporated.
  • Heat oil and add chopped onion.
  • Add finely chopped red pepper and crushed garlic cloves.
  • Once cooked, add butternut, salt, pepper and chilli powder. Cook further on reduced heat.
  • Press down with masher until mixed.
  • Add water to match desired consistency.
  • Add cream and increase to medium heat, stirring until a creamy consistency is reached.
  • Serve with sprinkled coriander and ciabatta loaf.




Tuna Wraps – No Heat Needed Option


Perfect for a quick and easy meal, this protein and Omega 3 option is ideal when no heat is available.


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Ingredients:

  • Whole grain wraps 
  • 3 tins tuna
  • 1 small cucumber
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 4 tomatoes  
  • 1 red onion
  • Dijon mustard or mayonnaise
  • 1 head of lettuce
  • 3 avocados  

Instructions:

  • Drain tuna and place in a bowl.
  • Add Dijon mustard or mayonnaise as desired to the drained tuna.
  • Finely chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce and add to the mixture.
  • Add salt and pepper.
  • Slice avocado
  • Place the mixture in the middle of the wrap and add sliced avocado on top.
  • Roll the wrap over until the mixture is secured inside.




Gourmet Omelette – Gas Option


Turn breakfast for dinner into a gourmet experience with a nutrient-filled omelette.


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Ingredients:

  • Butter
  • 3 eggs  
  • Spinach
  • Cherry tomatoes  
  • 50 grams of feta cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions:

  • Add butter to the pan.
  • Whisk eggs and add to pan on medium heat.
  • Chop spinach and cherry tomatoes and add to the mixture.
  • Crumble the feta and sprinkle evenly over the omelette.
  • Add salt and pepper.
  • Fold the omelette from left to right.

Serve as is or with sliced avocado.



Loadshedding doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the quality of your meals. With these loadshedding safe dinner ideas and more, you can feed your family and entertain your friends, while including the nutritional goodness that we all need in our meals.


Date Published: 
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