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The ultimate recipes to round out the year

As we head off into the new year, don’t forget your old favourites from 2023! These are the recipes you made time and time again this year.

10. Fudgy chocolate and Marie biscuit squares

Coming in at number 10 are these easy and delicious chocolate-and-Marie biscuit squares. They’re a quick, no-bake treat that the kids can also help make, so we recommend keeping this recipe in your back pocket for a fun holiday activity. 

9. Oxtail potjie 

Of course, no Food24 best-of list would be complete without a potjie recipe! And your favourite was this droolworthy, slow-cooked oxtail one.

ALSO READ: 10 tips for making the perfect dumplings for stew

8. Braaied butter chicken curry

Another braai favourite, this one combines our favourite activity with one of our favourite dishes – butter chicken! It’s so good, we’re not surprised you loved it too!

7. Warm potato salad

And accompanying your braai favourites was, of course, a potato salad. But you steered clear of mayonnaise-laden classics and opted instead for this delicious baby potato version made with bacon, spring onions and a zingy vinegar dressing. 

ALSO READ:  15 perfect potato side dishes that will upgrade any meal

6. Steamed dumplings (idombolo)

Another side staple on the list, these dombolo are just the thing, whether you’re serving up braaied meat, curry or a potjie.

5. Lamb curry

Speaking of curry, your preferred one this year was this tender and spicy lamb curry.

4. Chakalaka air-fryer pull-apart bread

The perfect accompaniment to any braaied main is this South African-inspired chakalaka air-fryer bread.

ALSO READ: The 4-ingredient dough recipe that changed my life

3. Slow-cooked shepherd’s pie

For a delicious midweek main the whole family loves, you were making this shepherd’s pie.

2. Lamb ragu and semolina gnocchi bake

Giving new life to the Italian classic gnocchi, this semolina version is baked with a meaty ragu.

1. Braised lamb shanks served with stewed dried fruit

And, finally, top of the charts for 2023 … a Sunday main meant to impress! These lamb shanks are tender and flavourful, and the acidity of the stewed fruit mix cuts through the richness of the lamb just perfectly.