A hearty meal for an empty tummy

Thabazimbi – It’s a sombre and harsh reality that many people find themselves tossing and turning in bed, their empty stomachs grumbling and preventing them from getting any rest.

With prices constantly increasing and job opportunities becoming scarce, individuals are left searching through their pockets just to make ends meet. Understanding the challenges faced by families in such circumstances, Platinum Bushvelder reached out to Thabazimbi Soup Kitchen’s (Thabazimbi Sopkombuis) remarkable Sanet Maasberg on Friday, May 19, 2023.

The purpose was to discover how a family of 5-6 can be fed when there is little money in the bank. Thankfully, Sanet was more than willing to assist by sharing her ‘Koedoe Stew’ recipe, which, with a few simple and affordable kitchen staples, has the power to nourish a family of approximately six individuals.

The Thabazimbi Soup Kitchen is dedicated to providing nourishment to approximately 265 individuals in need.

Given the significant number of people seeking assistance, Sanet Maasberg and Rianda Bekker constantly strive to find affordable and nutritious options for those who rely on their support. Sanet graciously shared her delightful ‘Koedoe Stew’ recipe with Platinum Bushvelder on Friday, May 19, 2023.

This heart-warming stew incorporates affordable kitchen essentials and is not only capable of satisfying 5-6 hungry stomachs but also remains budget friendly.

Sanet’s ‘Koedoe Stew’ recipe
Ingredients: 

• 1 x chopped carrot 
• 1 x chopped onion
• 3 x tablespoons of oil 
• 250g chicken/beef (optional) 
• 500g pasta 
• 1 x chopped tomato
• 3 x teaspoons of tomato purée (optional) 
• A pinch of garlic
• A pinch of salt 
• 2 x cups of margarine 
• ½ cup of soup powder (hearty beef, brown onion, or any flavour of your choice depending on your meat selection)

Method: 

1. In a large pot, brown the onion in the oil for approximately 7min (along with meat if desired). 
2. Fill the pot with 750ml water.
3. Add chopped carrot, tomato, garlic, salt, and purée and simmer for approximately 15-20min until soft.  
4. Add margarine and soup powder (mixed with water). Stir until dissolved. 
5. Add 500g macaroni and boil for approximately 10min.
6. Serve and enjoy! 

Relying solely on donations, Sanet Maasberg and Riana Bekker keep the kitchen’s pots going. The Thabazimbi Soup Kitchen needs the community’s assistance. The kitchen’s biggest shortages are meat and vegetables, but any donations will make a big difference. 

For more information, contact Thabazimbi Soup Kitchen’s Riana Bekker on 072 671 9710, or Sanet Maasberg on 083 620 1837. If you would like to deliver a donation, you are welcome to visit the soup kitchen at 14 1st Avenue, Thabazimbi.  

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