Five alternative padkos treats for when you hit the road over the Easter holidays. And we’ve included a recipe for the ultimate chocolate brownies to keep you well fed during your travels.
Travels over the school holidays and Easter weekend bring the promise of adventure and exploration. But, what’s a road trip without some tasty padkos treats to keep you energised on the journey?
One key element that can make (or break!) a road trip is the selection of snacks. Wayne Blake, the general manager at ANEW Resort White River, suggests a few alternative and creative padkos treats to inspire your taste buds.
padkos treats
Here are Blake’s top five padkos treats and the recipe for the ultimate chocolate brownies.
1. Durban-style popcorn
Spicy pineapple – tangy fresh pineapple chunks doused in curry powder – is most definitely one of Durban’s most unique snacks, usually sold by street vendors along the beachfront. Be inspired by this unique blend of spices and prepare a premix of chili powder, sugar, salt and a dash of vinegar and generously coat freshly popped popcorn. Make a lot – it won’t last long!
2. Scotch eggs South African-style
Portable and tasty as a cold snack, scotch eggs are filling and comforting food at its best and make ideal padkos treats. Essentially, they are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat, coated in bread crumbs and deep-fried for a delicious snack on the go. For a South African twist, substitute the pork mince for boerewors by simply removing the wors meat from the casting. Prepare a dipping sauce with mayonnaise and a dash of hot sauce or sweet chili sauce for a satisfying snack.
3. Roasted butternut toasted pumpkin seed & Danish feta salad
This scrumptious and filling salad is a perfect roadside snack when you need to stretch your legs. Packed with roasted butternut, toasted pumpkin seeds and Danish feta, it’s a flavourful treat that keeps you satisfied (and healthy) on the go. Add couscous, quinoa, chickpeas or bulgar wheat for additional sustenance. Pack it in glass jars and enjoy a fresh taste wherever your journey leads.
4. Falafels
Made from wholesome chickpeas, falafels make fantastic padkos treats. Their crispy exterior and flavoursome interior offer a satisfying crunch and bold taste. Whether eaten on their own or in pita bread with chili and coriander, humus or tzatziki, falafel is a convenient and tasty option for vegetarians.
Talking of alternative food ideas, take a look at this recipe for a hot cross bun with a twist and why not try a hot cross bun pudding.
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Chocolate Brownies
Satisfy your sweet cravings with rich and indulgent chocolate brownies. These heavenly squares of chocolate goodness are the ultimate road-trip dessert, and can be made a day ahead of your trip:
Chocolate Brownie Recipe
You will need:
- 3⁄4 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 cup cocoa
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened – do not melt completely – best to leave outside the day before in a cool dry spot.
- 2 eggs, whole
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1⁄2 cup nuts chopped of your choice or use toasted mixed nuts
- 200g chopped baking chocolate
Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 185 degrees.
- Grease a square 8cm x 8cm pan.
- Sift flour with sugar, salt and cocoa into a mixing bowl, then set aside.
- Add butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Use a spoon and beat 100 strokes per minute for 3 minutes by hand or 2 minutes on medium speed, with a mixer with a paddle attachment.
- Stir in nuts and chopped chocolate until evenly mixed through.
- Pour into pan and spread out evenly.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes.
- Cool and then cut into your desired shapes and sizes, pack into your road-trip lunch box and enjoy while travelling.
Padkos is a beautiful Afrikaans word that has been adopted by both English and Afrikaans speakers as its English translation doesn’t do it justice.
