Al Dente Gourmet Catering, Avon Drive, Three Rivers, Vereeniging (2025)

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic South African Durban Curry with Soft Rotis

Tender beef or mutton simmered in a rich, fiery curry sauce 🌶️🍅🍖 — spiced with curry leaves, masala, and aromatics, served with fluffy rotis or rice. A true Durban classic, rustic and comforting.

📝 Ingredients:

1 kg beef or mutton (bone-in for flavor) 🍖

2 onions, finely diced 🧅

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp ginger paste

2 tbsp Durban masala curry powder 🌶️

1 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp coriander powder

1–2 dried chilies 🌶️ (optional)

2–3 curry leaves 🌿

3 tomatoes, chopped 🍅

2 potatoes, cubed 🥔

2 cups beef stock

3 tbsp oil

Salt & pepper 🧂

👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Sauté Base – Heat oil, fry onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, curry leaves & chilies. Fry until fragrant. 🌶️🧄

2️⃣ Add Meat – Brown beef or mutton pieces in the spices. 🍖🔥

3️⃣ Tomatoes & Stock – Add chopped tomatoes, cook down into a paste. Add stock, season, cover and simmer 1.5–2 hours until meat is tender. 🍲

4️⃣ Add Potatoes – Add cubed potatoes, simmer until soft and curry thickens. 🥔

5️⃣ Serve – Garnish with coriander, serve hot with soft rotis or basmati rice. 🌿🍚

🌟 Notes:

True Durban flavor: use bone-in mutton and plenty of curry leaves.

Adjust heat 🌶️ depending on your audience (Durban-style = fiery!).

For the plating: rustic cast iron pot, curry steaming, rotis stacked on the side.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Chicken & Beef Samosas with Spicy Yogurt Dip

Crispy golden pastry triangles stuffed with fragrant spiced chicken and beef fillings 🥟🔥. Served with a cool-spicy yogurt dip — the ultimate rustic sharing snack!

📝 Chicken Filling

250 g ground chicken 🍗

1 onion, finely diced 🧅

2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp curry powder

½ tsp chili flakes 🌶️

½ cup peas

2 tbsp fresh coriander 🌿

Salt & pepper 🧂

📝 Beef Filling

250 g ground beef 🥩

1 onion, finely diced 🧅

2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp garam masala

½ tsp paprika

½ cup carrots, grated 🥕

2 tbsp fresh parsley 🌿

Salt & pepper 🧂

📝 Pastry & Assembly:

20 samosa pastry sheets (or phyllo sheets cut into strips)

2 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp water (glue paste)

Oil for frying

Method
1️⃣ Cook chicken & beef fillings separately with spices & veg until fragrant and dry. Cool.

2️⃣ Place 1–2 tbsp filling on pastry strip, fold into triangle, sealing edges with paste. 🥟

3️⃣ Fry in hot oil (180°C) until golden & crispy. Drain on paper towels. 🔥

4️⃣ Serve hot with spicy yogurt dip.

📝 Spicy Yogurt Dip

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋

1 tsp chili sauce 🌶️

1 tsp mint, chopped 🌿

Mix all ingredients — creamy, spicy, cooling dip!

🌟 Notes:

For the platter: serve chicken & beef samosas together on a rustic wooden tray with dip bowls.

Bake instead of frying for a lighter version.

Perfect for parties, pub snacks, or casual feasts.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Stout-Braised Pork Belly with Crispy Onion Rings

Melt-in-your-mouth pork belly braised in dark stout beer 🍺, garlic & herbs, finished under the grill until sticky and caramelized — paired with towering crispy onion rings 🧅🔥.

📝 Pork Belly:

1 kg pork belly (skin on, scored) 🐖

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped 🧅

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp thyme 🌿

1 bay leaf

2 cups stout beer 🍺

1 cup chicken stock

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp soy sauce

Salt & pepper 🧂

Method:

1️⃣ Season & sear pork belly until golden.

2️⃣ Add onion, garlic, herbs; stir until fragrant.

3️⃣ Pour in stout, stock, sugar & soy → cover and braise in oven at 160°C for 2 hours until tender. 🍺

4️⃣ Remove cover, grill/broil for 5–10 mins until sticky & caramelized. 🔥

📝 Crispy Onion Rings:

2 large onions, sliced into rings 🧅

1 cup flour

1 tsp paprika

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Oil for frying

Method:

1️⃣ Dip onion rings into flour → buttermilk → breadcrumbs.

2️⃣ Fry at 180°C until golden & crunchy. 🔥

3️⃣ Drain on paper towels, sprinkle salt.

🌟 Notes:

For the plating: serve pork belly slices on a wooden board with glaze drizzle, onion rings stacked high in a rustic basket.

Pair with creamy slaw or dipping sauce on the side.

Perfect pub pairing: cold stout or craft beer 🍺.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Chops with Cheesy Herb Potato Gratin

Juicy seared pork chops glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce 🍯🧄, paired with a bubbling skillet of cheesy herb potato gratin 🥔🧀🌿. A rustic feast made for comfort.

📝 Pork Chops

4 thick-cut pork chops 🐖

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

¼ cup honey 🍯

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎

1 tsp chili flakes 🌶️ (optional)

Salt & pepper 🧂

Method
1️⃣ Season chops with salt & pepper.

2️⃣ Sear in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. 🔥

3️⃣ In same skillet, add garlic, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, chili flakes → simmer into glaze.

4️⃣ Coat chops in sauce, cook until sticky & caramelized. 🍯🧄

📝 Cheesy Herb Potato Gratin:

1.2 kg potatoes, thinly sliced 🥔

2 cups cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated 🧀

1 clove garlic, minced 🧄

1 tsp thyme 🌿

1 tsp rosemary 🌿

Salt & pepper 🧂

Method:

1️⃣ Layer potatoes in buttered skillet.

2️⃣ Pour cream mixed with garlic, herbs, salt & pepper.

3️⃣ Sprinkle cheese between layers + top. 🧀

4️⃣ Bake at 200°C for 40–45 mins until golden & bubbling.

🌟 Notes:

For plating: pork chops stacked on a wooden board, glaze dripping, skillet of gratin on the side.

Add crispy bacon bits to the gratin 🥓 for extra indulgence.

Serve with a cold beer 🍺 for the ultimate rustic pub pairing.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Italian Chicken Cutlets

Golden, crunchy cutlets coated in seasoned Italian breadcrumbs 🥖🧄🧀 — juicy chicken inside, crispy perfection outside. A homestyle favorite straight from Nonna’s kitchen ❤️.

📝 Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, pounded thin 🍗

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten 🥚

1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan 🧀

1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

1 tsp dried oregano 🌿

½ tsp paprika

Salt & pepper 🧂

Oil, for shallow frying (olive or vegetable)

👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Prep Chicken – Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, season lightly with salt & pepper.

2️⃣ Coat – Dredge chicken in flour → dip in eggs → press into breadcrumb mix (breadcrumbs + Parmesan + garlic powder + oregano + paprika).

3️⃣ Fry – Heat oil in a skillet, fry cutlets 3–4 mins per side until golden brown & crispy. 🍗🔥

4️⃣ Drain & Rest – Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

5️⃣ Serve – Garnish with parsley & lemon wedges 🍋. Serve hot with marinara or over pasta.

🌟 Notes:

Add a melted mozzarella slice on top for a cheesy twist 🧀.

Perfect as a main, in a sandwich, or sliced on top of a fresh salad.

Rustic plating: stack in a cast iron skillet with lemon wedges + dipping sauce on the side.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Smothered Chicken

Golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce loaded with spinach & mushrooms 🥬🍄🧄 — rich, rustic, and comforting!

📝 Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts 🍗

2 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 cup mushrooms, sliced 🍄

2 cups baby spinach 🥬

1 cup cream

½ cup chicken stock

1 cup Parmesan cheese 🧀

1 tsp Italian herbs 🌿

Salt & pepper 🧂

👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Cook Chicken – Season chicken, sear in olive oil until golden, set aside. 🍗🔥

2️⃣ Sauté Veg – In same pan, cook mushrooms & garlic until soft. Add spinach until just wilted. 🍄🥬

3️⃣ Make Sauce – Stir in cream, stock, Parmesan, herbs, salt & pepper. Simmer until creamy. 🧄🧀

4️⃣ Combine – Return chicken to skillet, smother with sauce. Simmer 5 mins until chicken cooked through.

5️⃣ Serve – Garnish with parsley, serve hot with mash or pasta. 🌿🤤

🌟 Notes:

Add chili flakes 🌶️ for a spicy kick.

Serve bubbling in a cast iron skillet with a cheese sprinkle on top.

15/09/2025

🔥 Cheesy Garlic Chicken Cobbler Bake

Creamy garlic chicken filling under a buttery, cheesy biscuit “cobbler” top—golden, craggy, and perfect for cheese-pull shots 🤤.

📝 Ingredients

Chicken filling

600 g cooked shredded chicken 🍗

2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil

1 onion (diced) 🧅

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup cream (or half milk/half cream)

1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp black pepper, salt to taste

1 cup frozen peas & corn (optional)

½ cup grated Parmesan 🧀

Cheesy cobbler topping

2 cups self-rising flour

1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp salt

1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)

4 tbsp melted butter 🧈

1 ½ cups grated cheddar (reserve a little for sprinkling) 🧀

2 tbsp chopped chives/parsley 🌿

👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Sauté base – Melt butter + oil; cook onion till soft. Add garlic (30 sec).

2️⃣ Make sauce – Stir in stock + cream, thyme, pepper, salt, simmer till slightly thick.

3️⃣ Load chicken – Fold in shredded chicken, veg (if using), and Parmesan. Spoon into a buttered cast-iron skillet.

4️⃣ Mix cobbler – In a bowl whisk flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt. Add buttermilk + melted butter → fold in cheddar + herbs (thick, Sponable batter).

5️⃣ Top – Dollop the cobbler in rustic mounds over the chicken, sprinkle extra cheddar.

6️⃣ Bake – 200 °C for 20–25 min till puffed, golden, bubbling at edges.

7️⃣ Finish – Brush tops with a little melted butter, crack black pepper, scatter herbs. Serve hot with a gravy drizzle 😍.

🌟 Notes & swaps

Add crispy bacon bits inside the cobbler or over the top 🥓.

Kick of heat: a pinch of chili flakes in the batter 🌶️.

Make-ahead: chill filling; top & bake before serving.

15/09/2025

🔥 Rustic Loaded Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mash Topping

A comfort classic reimagined! Slow-cooked ground beef & veggies simmered in rich gravy, topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes 🥔🧀, baked until golden & bubbling. Pure rustic indulgence 🤤.

📝 Ingredients

For the Filling:

500 g ground beef (or lamb for traditional style) 🥩

2 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced 🧅

2 carrots, diced 🥕

2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 cup beef stock

1 tsp thyme 🌿

1 tsp rosemary 🌿

Salt & pepper 🧂

For the Cheesy Mash Topping:

1.2 kg potatoes, peeled & cubed 🥔

100 g butter 🧈

150 ml cream or milk

1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀

Salt & pepper 🧂

👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Cook Filling – In skillet, sauté onion, carrot & garlic in oil. Add ground beef, brown well. 🥩

2️⃣ Simmer – Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, beef stock, thyme & rosemary. Cook until thick & rich. 🍲

3️⃣ Make Cheesy Mash – Boil potatoes, mash with butter, cream, cheddar, salt & pepper until smooth. 🧈🧀

4️⃣ Assemble – Spoon beef mixture into a rustic baking dish or skillet. Spread cheesy mash over the top. 🥔

5️⃣ Bake – Bake at 200°C for 20–25 mins until golden & bubbling. 🔥

6️⃣ Serve – Garnish with parsley and serve piping hot. 🌿

🌟 Notes

Add peas & corn for extra texture. 🌽

Top with mozzarella for extra cheese pull 🧀🔥.

Viral-worthy plating: serve mini versions in cast iron skillets.

14/09/2025

🔥 Rustic BBQ Mac & Cheese Skillet with Crispy Bacon Crumble

Creamy, cheesy mac & cheese 🧀🍝 loaded with smoky BBQ pulled pork, then topped with a golden cheddar crust and finished with crispy bacon crumble 🥓🔥. Served bubbling hot in a cast-iron skillet.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese:

400 g elbow macaroni 🍝

3 tbsp butter 🧈

3 tbsp flour

3 cups milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 🧀

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper 🧂

For the Topping:

1 cup BBQ pulled pork (or chicken) 🍖

½ cup crispy bacon, crumbled 🥓

½ cup cheddar cheese 🧀

2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley 🌿

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👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Cook Pasta – Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain & set aside. 🍝

2️⃣ Make Sauce – In skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk gradually. Stir until thickened. Add cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, salt & pepper. 🧄🧈🧀

3️⃣ Combine – Stir pasta into sauce until coated & creamy.

4️⃣ Add BBQ Layer – Mix in BBQ pulled pork for smoky flavor. 🍖🔥

5️⃣ Top It Off – Sprinkle cheddar, breadcrumbs & crispy bacon over the top. 🥓🧀

6️⃣ Bake – Bake at 200°C for 15 mins until golden & bubbling.

7️⃣ Finish & Serve – Garnish with parsley. Serve hot in the skillet for rustic pub vibes. 🌿

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🌟 Notes

Swap bacon for jalapeños 🌶️ if you want a spicy twist.

Viral-worthy serving idea: mini skillets for individual portions.

Comfort food heaven: smoky, cheesy, crispy, gooey 🤤.

14/09/2025

🍴 Fluffy Mashed Potatoes with Corn, Cheese, Crispy Chicken & Gravy

📝 Ingredients:

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1.2 kg potatoes 🥔 (peeled and cubed)

100 g butter 🧈

150 ml cream (or milk for lighter)

Salt & pepper 🧂

For the Crispy Chicken:

4 boneless chicken fillets 🍗

1 cup flour

2 eggs (beaten) 🥚

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Oil, for frying

For the Layers:

1 ½ cups sweet corn 🌽 (cooked)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀

2 cups brown gravy 🍲 (homemade or store-bought)

2 tbsp fresh parsley 🌿

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👩‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Make Mashed Potatoes – Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain well, mash with butter, cream, salt & pepper until fluffy. 🥔🧈

2️⃣ Prep Chicken – Pound chicken fillets slightly for even cooking. Season with salt & pepper.

3️⃣ Bread Chicken – Dredge chicken in flour → dip into beaten eggs → coat in breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder & paprika.

4️⃣ Fry Chicken – Heat oil to 175°C. Fry chicken until golden & crispy (about 4–5 mins per side). Place on paper towels to drain. 🍗🔥

5️⃣ Assemble Layers – In a rustic cast iron skillet or baking dish:

Spread mashed potatoes as the base.

Sprinkle corn evenly on top. 🌽

Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. 🧀

Slice or lay crispy chicken tenders over the cheese. 🍗

6️⃣ Add Gravy – Pour hot brown gravy over the top. 🍲

7️⃣ Finish & Serve – Garnish with parsley and serve hot, bubbling with all the layers together 🤤.

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🌟 Notes

Swap crispy chicken for fried chicken strips if you want extra crunch.

Add jalapeños 🌶️ for a spicy version.

Viral-style: serve in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions.

13/09/2025

🔥 Easy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo with Fettuccine Pasta

Tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets 🥦, and fettuccine pasta tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce loaded with Parmesan & garlic 🧄🧀. A one-pan rustic classic!

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📝 Ingredients

300 g fettuccine pasta 🍝

2 chicken breasts, sliced thin 🍗

2 cups broccoli florets 🥦

3 tbsp butter 🧈

3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper 🧂

Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿

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👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Cook Pasta – Boil fettuccine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. 🍝

2️⃣ Sauté Chicken – In olive oil, cook chicken slices until golden brown. Remove & set aside. 🍗

3️⃣ Blanch Broccoli – Add broccoli to the boiling pasta water for 2 mins. Drain & set aside. 🥦

4️⃣ Make Alfredo Sauce – In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic, cream & milk. Simmer until slightly thickened. 🧄🧈

5️⃣ Add Cheese – Stir in Parmesan until smooth & creamy. Season with salt & pepper. 🧀

6️⃣ Combine – Toss pasta, chicken & broccoli into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed. 🍝🔥

7️⃣ Finish – Garnish with parsley & extra Parmesan. Serve hot in a rustic skillet or deep dish. 🌿

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🌟 Notes

Add chili flakes 🌶️ for a little kick.

Swap broccoli for spinach 🥬 or mushrooms 🍄 for variation.

Perfect family meal, ready in 30 minutes.

13/09/2025

🔥 Parmesan Crusted Chicken (Longhorn-Inspired)

Juicy grilled chicken breasts smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan ranch sauce, topped with a crunchy, golden Parmesan crust 🧄🧀🔥. This copycat favorite is pub-style comfort food at its finest!

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📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder 🧄

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper 🧂

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

½ cup ranch dressing

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp lemon juice 🍋

For the Parmesan Crust:

1 cup shredded Parmesan

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp melted butter 🧈

1 tsp Italian herbs 🌿

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👩‍🍳 Method:

1️⃣ Prep Chicken – Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Rub with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper. 🍗

2️⃣ Cook Chicken – Grill or pan-sear until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 74°C). 🔥

3️⃣ Make Sauce – Mix ranch, mayo, Parmesan, garlic & lemon juice until smooth. 🧄🍋

4️⃣ Spread Sauce – Place chicken in oven-safe skillet, spread sauce over each piece.

5️⃣ Add Parmesan Crust – Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, butter & herbs. Sprinkle over chicken. 🧀🌿

6️⃣ Broil – Place under broiler for 2–3 mins until topping is golden, bubbly & crisp. 😍

7️⃣ Serve – Garnish with parsley, serve hot with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

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🌟 Notes

Cheesy, crispy, creamy = flavor bomb 🤤

Use provolone or mozzarella under the crust for extra gooey melt.

Viral-worthy plating: skillet-style with rustic sides.

Al Dente Gourmet Catering

15/09/2025

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