BY Gugulethu Tshabalala
The Covid-19 lockdown sparked the creative side of self-taught Chef Khwezilomso Ntanga that soon morphed into an official business that serves tasty treats in Rusternburg, North West. Khwezi’s Mobile Kitchen is a high-end go to kitchen when the cravings for delicious, traditional favourites with a touch of sophistication kick in.
When did you become a chef and what exactly do you do? Was this career something you always wanted to follow?
Cooking is something I have always enjoyed. My initial interest stemmed from watching my late mother meticulously and lovingly prepare each delicious meal. At the age of 10, she finally caved in to my naggings and I was able to start cooking on my own.
I became a chef through her guidance, self-teaching, and love for good food. My passion for cooking started to intensify in 2020 during the pandemic when I started xploring making food from scratch amidst the lockdown. Over time, I honed my skills through practice, experimenting, and learning from various resources. Cooking became more than a hobby and my profession and led to the opening of my catering business, Khwezi’s Mobile Kitchen.
How would you describe your overall cooking philosophy?
Love is always the secret ingredient!
What influences can be picked up from your food?
Being a Xhosa girl who was raised in a home that celebrated our culture, traditional food has always and will forever have my heart.
What are your go-to summer dishes?
I’m a simple girl, so I enjoy a well-made egg, bacon & cheese sandwich in summer. Paired with a refreshing strawberry daiquiri and I’m happy to enjoy the combo all day! I also absolutely love chicken wings. They are quick and easy to make and always go down a treat with my family.
What is your personal favorite food to eat & what important event in your life does this dish remind you of?
My personal favourite food to eat will always be a good plate of ‘Sunday kos’. The idea of having so many different flavours and textures all combined in one plate to create a perfect harmony is always something to savour. This dish reminds me of Sunday afternoons with my family, coming home after a church service. My mom and I would finish preparing salads we started making the night before to serve a hearty meal made with love and care.
Where can people sample your food?
I am currently based in Rustenburg where I am running my catering business. This is where my food can be sampled.
Chicken & Bacon Alfredo Pasta
INGREDIENTS:
• 500g penne pasta
• 8 chicken breasts cut into strips
• 200g diced bacon
• 1 tbsp garlic flakes
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt to taste
• Oil
• 250ml cream
• 2 tbsp of flour
• 5 tbsp butter
• 200ml milk
• 1/2 cup of finely grated cheese
METHOD:
1. Fry your diced bacon on medium heat until crispy then set aside.
2. Season the chicken strips with the spices mentioned above and fry on medium heat for 10 minutes.
3. Bring your pasta water to a boil and add some oil and salt to taste. Add the pasta and allow to cook for 15 minutes or to your desired texture.
4. Add your butter and flour in a pan on a low heat and allow to cook for about 5 minutes. This will create the base of your Alfredo sauce.
5. Add the milk and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. Add your cream, followed by the cheese and some salt to taste.
7. To your sauce add the pasta, chicken breast and bacon.
8. Allow the different elements to be incorporated by continuing to cook on a low heat for 5-10 minutes.
9. Plate up and Enjoy!
This meal is best enjoyed with a class of chilled Rosé.
Khwezi’s Mobile Kitchen Handles:
IG – khwezis_mobile_kitchen
TikTok – kooking_with_khwezi
