I have written about plenty of Traditional South African foods. This is one that I grew up with, and have eaten almost weekly since I can remember (in the winter times). This dish does not have a traditional recipe, rather the method and the name in my home language (Afrikaans) is the only traditional part. It is all in the method and name. So first things first, what is "Moer-in-n-pot". In South Africa in the Afrikaans culture people do not like to throw away food. So they invented this soup: just throw everything into a pot, and prey that it tastes good. I have seen some whacky recipes, and I have eaten other families' soups, and all I can say, if it can go into a pot, someone will put it in. In any case, here is my mother's recipe that I have since taken and made my own. In the winter (which it is now in South Africa) this soup warms you up and keeps you full. This is my absolute favourite food in the winter.

Ingredients

For this recipe you will need:

• Any type of meat
• Potatoes
• Turnups
• Carrots
• Celery (stalk and leaves)
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Any soup mix (lentils, peas, beans, barley)
• And obviously, wine for you while cooking!

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Brown the meat and create the (future) fond at the bottom of the pan. If you make any dish (stew or soups) that contains meat, brown it well. At the bottom, all the brown bits accumulate which will become your fond or stock.

Step 2: Brown the Onion Mix

On the layer of well-browned meat bits, throw in finely chopped onions, carrots and celery. Brown these as well. This will create a second layer of depth in flavour.

Step 3: Add Everything Together

This is a very simple recipe and takes very little time. If you have a pressure cooker that is. If you do not, just simmer on low for an hour or two (until the meat is cooked and the soup mix have thickened). I cube the potatoes and turnips and carrots.

Step 4: Pressure Cook for 20 Minutes/Simmer for 1-2 Hours

I love the pressure cooker, even though I think slow cooking gives you a better end product. Sometimes you really only have an hour to cook, from finish to start. This is where the pressure cooker comes in handy. I still use my mother's old pressure cooker. It still works like a charm. In any case, I pressure cook the soup for 20 minutes. Everything basically turns into soup then. (See the first photo below: I just opened the pot. See the second photo: I mashed everything with a soup-masher).

Dish Up

This is not an Instagram ready soup. This is also not a soup you dish up to friends at a fancy dinner. I do not think you can order this soup at any restaurant in South Africa. This is one of those recipes that live through the generations of people who cook it. There are as many recipes as there are people who cook this soup. It is one of the tastiest things you can eat in the winter. It is just really good and you would not know that until you have tried it! Unappealing and everything. So please try this, and enjoy a hearty, cheap and healthy dinner in the winter!