It Is Called Imifino (Umfino)

And the day I learned to cook it

It is called Imifino (Imifino or Umfino, other spellings and writings are possible as well) and last year on Mandela Day I had the pleasure to be invited to an Imifino-cooking-session in NU 1. The team from the NDA - the National Development Agency arrived in mighty numbers and in full armour.

Now meet the cook sisters!

Awela, the Head-Chef

was able to give me a full lecture on Imifino cooking right away!

Traditional South African recipes
mostly originate from early English, French, German and Malay settlers.
However, the indigenous ethnic tribes were here long before the settlers
and they have their own traditional culinary African culture.

IMIFINO IS:

a dish made from fresh vegetables

like carrots, spinach, cabbage, mielies and mieliemeel

cut in pieces and cooked in a very big pot

simmered for 45 minutes at least

you can add onion and beef and oil

the mieliemeel makes it nice and thick

WE LOVE IMIFINO BECAUSE:

it is healthy

we have eaten it in the rural villages with the old people

it is easy to make and cheap

you can grow the vegetables in your yard

BUT you must know in the olden days they did not mix the vegetables like we do it today. Back then Imifino was made from traditional indigenous spices and herbs only. Just salt was added.

We are bringing in the Yellow now with the carrots!

Thandi, the Assistant Chef and Advisor had already started with the more practicable stuff while we were still talking recipes.

And I can guarantee you one thing, while cooking Imifino the traditional African way there is no Mr. Cain deep frozen. It is really CHOP, CHOP, CHOP and CHOP!

Therefore let me introduce to you Mbulelo, the Chief Chopper and Development Manager. It was whispered in my ear by the two ladies Awela and Thandi. that Mbulelo could be in serious trouble at home, if his wife ever saw these images. Seeing him cutting carrots with so much talent, I was told, would probably lead to further assignments in the kitchen at the family residence. I think I have to take the risk and publish this image. Sorry Mbulelo!