BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
The multi-talented Chef Masego Mbonyana is living her best life combining all her passions relating to food. In Meals with Masego, she gets to play and create the most magnificent recipes and mouth-watering meals that are instagram ready.
When did you become a chef and was it a career that you always wanted to follow?
From a young age, I felt a strong pull towards culinary arts. While I didn’t aspire to become a chef per se, I was certain that my journey was connected to the world of food.
This innate passion led me to pursue a qualification in Hospitality Management, a decision that set the foundation for my culinary career.
In 2013, I took a further step and became a chef. Using my hospitality background, I established a pop-up restaurant. This endeavor proved critical to my evolution in the industry.
My journey as a chef has been a testament to my unwavering passion for the art of food and my determination to continually refine and redefine what it means to be part of this vibrant industry.
What exactly do you do?
I proudly wear a multitude of hats, and each one contributes to my dynamic role. I’m a food stylist, a chef, a recipe developer, a food content creator, an event curator, and an aspiring food photographer.
Despite the diversity of these roles, they all share a common denominator, a deep-rooted connection to food.
What is your personal favorite food to eat & how often do you cook it?
I have a deep appreciation of the vibrant flavors and textures that fresh ingredients and salads offer.
However, there’s a classic combination that is special in my heart – steak and potatoes. It resonates with comfort and indulgence. It is a timeless pairing that I find myself craving regularly.
How would you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
My philosophy is rooted in the joy of sharing. Food has an incredible ability to bring people together, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. As a chef, my ultimate satisfaction comes from witnessing the pleasure that my creations bring to those who enjoy them.
Where can people sample your food?
Through the platform of Wholesome Sundays (@wholesome.sundays on Instagram), I have the privilege of curating a collection of pop-up experiences that transcend the ordinary. At its essence, Wholesome Sundays is a conduit for people to come together and immerse themselves in thoughtfully curated events that touch on both wellness and the joy of shared culinary experiences.
What is your signature dish?
Without a doubt, my warm potato salad has forever changed my perception of this classic dish.
Masego’s warm potato salad recipe
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
1kg baby potatoes
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
30ml olive oil
250g streaky bacon
Dressing
2 teaspoon smooth dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 lemon, zest & juice
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup mayo
2 tablespoons Italian parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chives, finely hopped
salt & pepper to taste
Method:
- Blanch potatoes in salted water for 15- 20 minutes.
- Drain and place potatoes in a roasting pan and smash using the back of a spoon
- Sprinkle potatoes with garlic powder and paprika, season with salt and pepper and lastly a drizzle of olive oil and toss until well combined.
- Place in the oven to roast for 25-30min, checking them regularly.
- In a pan, fry bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat on paper towel, break into small pieces once cool and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl combine mustard, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, mayo, parsley and chives. Mix together and season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Once the potatoes are golden brown, remove from the oven and combine with the dressing, top with crispy bacon bits and herbs. Best served warm and enjoy as a side.
Which wine works best with this dish?
The marriage of flavors between my dish and the Leopard’s Leap Chardonnay Pinot Noir is truly exquisite. The rich and fruity notes of the wine beautifully complement the savory nuances of the potatoes, enhancing every bite with a delightful symphony of tastes. It’s a pairing that elevates both the dish and the wine, creating a harmonious culinary experience that I always look forward to.
