Packing the perfect padkos
The need to social distance because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial pressure many people are feeling mean padkos is once again being prepared by travellers. Make sure your roadside meal becomes the stuff of family legends.
Road tripping means having the perfect padkos to enjoy on the road. While fast food outlets abound on most national routes, why not lay the foundation for a family tradition by putting together a wholesome family feast made with love?
For those who might not know, padkos is a South African word for ‘food taken on a journey’.
Traditional favourites include cold pork sausages, meatballs and sandwiches, and these are often stored in an airtight container lined with shredded lettuce.
Avid traveller and content creator Thobeka Mthembu, aka Thobi Rose, shares her padkos ideas with us.
“I have learnt what works and what simply does not when it comes to padkos,” she says.
In Thobi’s basket are delicious pre-made sandwiches. “My perfect filling is a combination of cheese, mayo and ham or chicken. To make it more interesting, try a variety of different breads and rolls, but stay away from fillings such as tinned tuna or anything that could make your bread go soggy.”
She also loves pita pockets and fills these with mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil and shredded chicken.
“Add in some nostalgia by going old school,” she says. “We all know how our mothers used to do things. They’d pre-cook a whole chicken and cut it up into individual pieces. These would be eaten with fresh bread rolls and a choice of condiments. Remember to wrap foil on the end of the drumsticks so they are easy to eat.”
Snacks are a must! These could include crackers, popcorn, chips, nuts, dried fruit and biltong.
“Freshly baked scones are also a winner!”
Thobi says a cooler box should be filled with a bottle of water and fruit juice. “Remember to take re-usable cups to minimise waste along the way, and don’t forget the ice packs to keep your beverages nice and cold and your food fresh.”
Always pack a few plastic bags for rubbish and dirty dishes, wet and dry towels, and wet wipes for sticky hands and smears on chins.
Lastly, a flask of tea or coffee – poured into your re-usable cups – is the best way to round off a roadside meal.
Read original story on lowvelder.co.za
