As with every region of the world, South Africa has a unique cuisine that differs from other countries and regions. South Africans traditionally cook using fruits and vegetables as a large part of the cuisine. However, another widely used staple of South African cuisine is meat. South Africans consume meat regularly, including seafood, chicken, beef and other meats such as lamb and goat.
Seafood
Seafood is a major component of the South African diet. South Africa has a large amount of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans, making seafood a bountiful and popular meat of the area. The most popular fish served in South Africa is the hake fish. A commonly consumed South African seafood meal is fish and chips, with hake or cod fish. Lobster, cod, prawns, tuna and mussels are other popular seafood staples of South African cuisine.
Chicken
Chicken consumption is prevalent throughout the entire region and is a common ingredient used in South African cuisine. A common chicken meal served in South Africa is "hoender pastei," which is essentially a chicken potpie. Meat pies are a traditional favorite of the region. The pie incorporates chicken, vegetables and breading into the same dish. Another common chicken meal is chicken curry.
Beef
South African cuisine also includes beef. South Africans consume nearly every edible part of a cow by preparing nontraditional parts in a variety of ways. One of the most popular beef items in South Africa is "biltong," which is a sun-dried slice of beef similar to American jerky. South Africans use many innards of the cow including liver, kidneys and other organs in slow-cooked stews. The head of the cow is even utilized in South African cuisine by being smoked or barbecued.
Lamb
South Africans commonly consume other meats that are often referred to as bush meats. These meats include lamb, goat and any other wild game found in the region. Lamb is the most popular of the bush meats, being served in numerous meals. A popular lamb meal consumed in South Africa is "bobotie," which is a curried lamb stew. Also "sosaties," or meat served on a skewer, are popular in the region with lamb, goat and other wild animals popularly used.
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