Talk show host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has had many experiences with many different cultures over the years, and she decided to channel South African cuisine for what she called a “pre-Thanksgiving feast” earlier this week.
Oprah credited Chef Raymond Weber for the delectable dishes, which she featured in a 46-second video highlighting the South African cuisine staples.
What Does A South African Thanksgiving Look Like?
View this post on Instagram
In the caption, Oprah wrote, “We had a pre-Thanksgiving feast at our house. South African cuisine 🇿🇦 to welcome my girls home. And yes there was malva pudding for dessert. All deliciously prepared by Chef @raymond_weber. Thanks for giving my daughter girls a taste of Home.”
The first dish she introduced was Chalaka, which had a description of sauteed cabbage and carrots. The next dish was Slow Cooked Bobotie, which included braised beef, potato, and garlic, all cooked together in a cast iron pan.
One of the most delicious courses on the menu looked to be grilled chicken wings, which she called Peri Peri Chicken. The seasonings included South African chilis and garlic. Next to it sat a hot plate of Peri Peri Shrimp, which looked to be prepared the same way as the chicken.
Another interesting dish was dubbed “Bunny Chow.” It featured roasted chicken in a toasted mini bread bowl. There was also a pot of Samp & Beans, which included hominy, white beans, and tomato. The last dish was yellow rice, which included turmeric and some variety of lentil, which is a common staple in South African cooking.
Although Oprah didn’t include the famed malva pudding in the video, malva pudding is a sweet pudding dessert that is common in South Africa. It features an apricot jam and a spongy caramelized texture. The cream sauce is usually poured over the dessert while it is still hot, and it is usually served warm with a side of custard or ice cream.
A simple malva pudding recipe can be made with flour, sugar, milk, apricot jam, and balsamic vinegar.
What Do Fans Think Of The Delectable Pre-Feast?
View this post on Instagram
Fans couldn’t help but shower the Instagram post with love as they commented on the delicious offerings.
“If this is the ‘pre-Thanksgiving’ feast, we can’t imagine the actual Thanksgiving feast,” wrote oprahdaily’s official Instagram page. “Enjoy and happy thanksgiving to all!”
“This is the best thing I’ve seen all week,” wrote another fan. “As a South African…thank you.”
“If couldn’t be a South African menu without chakalaka and malva pudding,” another shared.
“I’m from SA 🇿🇦, those are really some of our best dishes,” another offered before bragging, “I’m kind of an expert on malva pudding too.”
Another fan wrote, “This is so special! As a South African living abroad I know how special it is to eat food from home.”
“Oh now that’s a proper South African dish,” said another. “The best thanksgiving ever.”
Considering that this was just the Thanksgiving pre-feast, many fans have to wonder what Oprah’s actual Thanksgiving feast looked like. She has yet to share!
