It’s Time to Celebrate the Waterblommetjie Festival in Paarl this September!

Hey there! I wanted to let you know that the amazing Waterblommetjie Festival is making a grand return this year, and it’s going to be a sensational celebration dedicated to everything inspired by our beloved local delicacy.

On Saturday, September 3, join me and our incredible hosts at Domaine Brahms, Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, and Windmeul Kelder for a day filled with mouthwatering waterblommetjies, exquisite wine, and endless family fun. Trust me, if you’re in the mood for fantastic food and wine, live music, and tons of activities for the kids, the Waterblommetjie Festival in Paarl is the one event you wouldn’t want to miss!

Waterblommetjies, also known as Cape pondweed (Aponogeton distachyos), have been a part of the Western Cape’s culinary and medicinal traditions for centuries. The indigenous KhoiKhoi tribes introduced these plants to the early settlers, who quickly recognized their value as both nourishment and healing agents. Despite their significance, waterblommetjies are only available for a brief period during the winter season, making them a cherished and sought-after ingredient.

Waterblommetjie bredie, a hearty stew made with lamb or mutton, is a traditional dish that showcases the unique flavors of these plants. However, during the festival, waterblommetjies take on a more contemporary role, featuring in unconventional creations such as pizzas, infused drinks, and even ice cream. To complement these innovative culinary creations, the festival also invites visitors to indulge in the award-winning wines from the Paarl region.

Hey there! Let me tell you about these three awesome venues that are all close to each other, making it super easy for you to visit all of them in one day. And guess what? There’s no entrance fee, but instead, you’re encouraged to bring canned foods to donate to a local charity called Athlone House of Strength. How cool is that?

So, here’s the deal. These three venues are all within a 5km radius, which means they’re really close together. You won’t have to worry about traveling long distances or getting stuck in traffic. It’s all about convenience!

And the best part? You don’t have to pay anything to get in. Instead, the organizers of the festival are asking people to bring canned foods to donate. These donations will go to Athlone House of Strength, a shelter in Paarl for women and children who have experienced abuse. It’s a great cause, and you can make a difference just by bringing a can of food!

Don’t worry about finding a place to drop off your donation. There are drop-off points at each of the three venues, so it’s easy to make your donation and enjoy the festival at the same time.

At Domaine Brahms, you can start your day off right with a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch at our charming Toeka Stoor. While you’re there, take some time to browse through our collection of antiques and other unique items. We’re also excited to offer a variety of dishes made with waterblommetjies, a local delicacy. And the best part? Our special festival prices on selected wines make it the perfect opportunity to try something new.

If you’re looking for fresh, local produce, be sure to visit our farmer’s market. You’ll find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other goodies straight from the farm. And while you’re here, why not take a tractor ride or stop by to feed our friendly farm animals?

But that’s not all – we’ve got entertainment for everyone! Live music will fill the air with a festive vibe, while our talented face painting artists will be ready to transform visitors of all ages into their favorite characters. And for the little ones, we have an outdoor play area complete with jumping castles to keep them entertained for hours.

So why wait? Come on down to Domaine Brahms and experience a memorable and fun-filled day for the whole family!

Hey there! Guess what? I’ve got some exciting news for you! Rhebokskloof is the perfect place to go with your family. The beauty of this place will blow your mind. Imagine sprawling lawns right next to a peaceful dam. It’s like a dream come true!

Okay, here’s the best part. There’s going to be a live music performance by the fantastic local band, Tequila. You’ll be tapping your feet and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. And don’t you worry about food because there’s a special area just for that. Even though the restaurant won’t be open, you can still try out their mouthwatering traditional stew and waterblommetjie-infused dishes, like pizza! And don’t forget about the ice cream – it’s absolutely delicious! By the way, the little ones won’t be left out. There will be chicken nuggets and fries just for them.

If you’re an adventurous foodie, you’re in for a treat! The Waterblommetjie Festival started at Windmeul Kelder, and they keep up the tradition with an intense waterblommetjie potjiekos competition. This isn’t your average cooking contest though. Teams compete fiercely to make the tastiest potjiekos using those three-legged cast iron pots called potjies. Some stick to the classic recipes, while others get creative with their own twist. It’s going to be a real showdown!

So, mark this on your calendar and make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun. You can enter the competition by emailing [email protected] Time to gather the family and have a blast at Rhebokskloof!

Hey there! Are you ready for a fantastic day at Windmeul’s monthly farmer’s market? It’s the perfect place to grab some fresh, seasonal goodies and enjoy a delicious farmers’ breakfast. Just be sure to get there early, because the breakfast is only available while supplies last. And while you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the tasting room. You can grab some amazing wines for your cellar at discounted prices. What a steal!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re into running, you can kick off your day with the Run the Vines trail run. They offer routes of 5km, 10km, or even 17km. So, lace up your running shoes and get ready to conquer those trails!

If you want to stay in the loop and get all the latest updates, make sure to visit www.waterblommetjiefees.com. And for even more updates and behind-the-scenes goodness, follow @waterblommetjiefees on Instagram or @waterblomfees on Facebook. You won’t want to miss out!

Waterblommetjie Recipe (Serves 4)

Psst… I’ve got a tasty recipe for you. But first, an important tip: soak your Waterblommetjies in salt water overnight and rinse them thoroughly afterward. Got it? Great!

Ingredients:

– 500g Baby Potatoes

– 200g Onion, sliced

– 500g Waterblommetjies (with stems cut off and into smaller pieces)

– 1 tsp Olive Oil

– Juice from ½ a Lemon

– Cloves (to taste)

Steps:

I’m going to show you how to make a delicious dish called Waterblommetjie stew. It’s a simple recipe that you can make on the stove or braai.

First, heat some olive oil in a pot. Once it’s hot, add some sliced onions and cook them until they’re soft and translucent. When they’re done, you can remove them from the pot and set them aside in a separate bowl.

Next, add your meat to the same pot and cook it until it’s lightly browned. Remember to season it with some salt and pepper as it cooks.

Now, it’s time to add some water to the pot. And don’t forget to place your cooked onions on top of the meat. Let it simmer over medium heat without stirring too much. This will allow all the flavors to develop.

After about an hour of simmering, you can add the Waterblommetjies to the pot. Let them simmer for another half an hour. And if you feel like it, you can add more salt and pepper to your taste.

Finally, it’s time to add the baby potatoes to the pot. Cook everything together for another half an hour. Remember to give it a gentle stir from time to time and add more seasoning if needed.

When the stew is done, you can add a dash of lemon juice for some extra freshness. And if you like, you can also add a few cloves for a hint of warmth.

Let the stew simmer for a final half an hour to bring all the flavors together.

Now it’s time to enjoy your Waterblommetjie stew! Serve it on a bed of rice and squeeze a slice of lemon over the top for an extra burst of flavor.