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Friday, June 29, 2012

It Is Called Imifino (Umfino)


And the day I learned to cook it


It is called Imifino (Imifino or Umfino, other spellings and writings are possible as well) and last year on Mandela Day I had the pleasure to be invited to an Imifino-cooking-session in NU 1. The team from the NDA - the National Development Agency arrived in mighty numbers and in full armour.


Now meet the cook sisters!


Awela, the Head-Chef


was able to give me a full lecture on Imifino cooking right away!

Traditional South African recipes mostly originate from early English, French, German and Malay settlers. However, the indigenous ethnic tribes were here long before the settlers and they have their own traditional culinary African culture.
IMIFINO IS:
a dish made from fresh vegetables
like carrots, spinach, cabbage, mielies  and mieliemeel
cut in pieces and cooked in a very big pot
simmered for 45 minutes at least
you can add onion and beef and oil
the mieliemeel makes it nice and thick


WE LOVE IMIFINO BECAUSE:
it is healthy 
we have eaten it in the rural villages with the old people
it is easy to make and cheap
you can grow the vegetables in your yard 

BUT you must know in the olden days they did not mix the vegetables like we do it today. Back then Imifino was made from traditional indigenous spices and herbs only. Just salt was added.

We are bringing in the Yellow now with the carrots! 

 

Thandi, the Assistant Chef and Advisor had already started with the more practicable stuff while we were still talking recipes.


And I can guarantee you one thing, while cooking Imifino the traditional African way there is no Mr. Cain deep frozen. It is really CHOP, CHOP, CHOP and CHOP!




Therefore let me introduce to you Mbulelo, the Chief Chopper and Development Manager. It was whispered in my ear by the two ladies Awela and Thandi. that Mbulelo could be in serious trouble at home, if his wife ever saw these images. Seeing him cutting carrots with so much talent, I was told, would probably lead to further assignments in the kitchen at the family residence. I think I have to take the risk and publish this image. Sorry Mbulelo!



The taste is worth the effort!


Without Any Doubt!


1 comment:

  1. this sounds like a delicious recipe. I love umfino so I will like to try it cooked like this
    Thanks very much,
    BEV

    ReplyDelete

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