Waterblommetjie Bredie from the Western Cape

Waterblommetjie Bredie: A stew made with waterblommetjies (water lilies), lamb or beef, and a medley of vegetables and spices. It’s a specialty from the Western Cape region.

Waterblommetjie bredie is a traditional South African stew made with waterblommetjies, which are small edible flowers from the Cape water lily. Here’s a recipe for waterblommetjie bredie:

Ingredients for Waterblommetjie Bredie :

1 kg waterblommetjies
500 g lamb or mutton, cut into cubes
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef or vegetable stock
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

Clean the waterblommetjies by removing any tough stems and yellow petals. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they become translucent.
Add the lamb or mutton cubes to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and stir well to coat it evenly. This will help thicken the stew.
Pour in the beef or vegetable stock and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat becomes tender.
Add the waterblommetjies, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot again and simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve the waterblommetjie bredie hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

Waterblommetjie bredie is traditionally served with steamed white rice or mashed potatoes. The stew’s rich flavors pair well with these accompaniments.
You can also serve it with freshly baked bread or “mieliepap” (South African cornmeal porridge) for a hearty meal.
A side of pickled vegetables or a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.

Enjoy your waterblommetjie bredie!