With winter settling in across Johannesburg, many families are turning to hearty meals to stay warm while also keeping an eye on their grocery budgets.
Local chef Kabelo Molosiwa, who has been in the culinary industry for over a decade, said the colder months bring both comfort and creativity into the kitchen.

Having worked as a chef for about 12 years, including his training and practical experience, Molosiwa has spent the past five years working at the well-known Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton. He said winter was one of his favourite seasons to cook. “For me, winter is always exciting. We tend to gravitate towards slow-cooked meals, and those are always easy to prepare. Every time I make a simple beef stew and dumplings, it takes me back home to my mother’s kitchen.”

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According to Molosiwa, customers often request hearty dishes during winter, particularly those rich in flavour and filling. “People tend to go for lamb shanks and oxtail. Those are very popular during the colder months because they are warm, comforting, and satisfying.”
With the rising cost of food affecting many households, the chef emphasised the importance of using ingredients wisely. He said families can save money by making use of leftovers and affordable ingredients to stretch meals further.

“When you are cooking for a family, sometimes it is not about the amount of meat, but about the flavour of the dish and what you pair it with. Adding ingredients like potatoes can help bulk up a meal and make it feed more people.” One example he shared is the use of meat off-cuts, which are often discarded but can be transformed into delicious dishes. “In winter, we can use those off-cuts to make pies or slow-cooked meals. A simple pepper steak pie is a good example. It helps reduce waste and also keeps costs down.”

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Molosiwa also encouraged families to prepare meals in advance, especially during busy work weeks. “Meal prepping works very well in winter. You can cook in bulk, freeze the food in portions, and then reheat it when needed. It saves time and makes life easier.” He added that while slow cooking was common during winter, people should still pay attention to how long they cooked their food.

“Sometimes people overcook their stews because they think it makes the food better, but overcooking can ruin the taste. You still need to cook with care and attention.” As winter continues, Molosiwa believes simple, well-prepared meals can make a big difference in keeping families warm, healthy, and satisfied.

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