Winter in Jozi with JoziStyle

If you’re in Johannesburg right now, you’ll understand exactly what I mean when I say it feels like we’ve accidentally been transported to Norway. The weather has taken a sudden, unexpected turn for the cold, and I’m not talking about “winter chill” – I’m talking about the kind of damp, cool air that sticks to your skin and makes you question all of your life choices.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not freezing. I’m still able to move around the house in my longjohns, and if it gets really chilly, I can always grab a light sweater. But there’s something about this dampness that is particularly irksome. It’s that constant sense of cool, clammy, and, let’s face it, miserable. Our duvets, towels, and linens are all giving off that “miff” smell – if you’re not South African, “miff” is basically that musty, mildew-ish aroma that clings to everything. And no, it’s not pleasant.

The thing is, we don’t have a tumble dryer (which is a tragedy in itself), so we can only wash on those rare, blessed hot days. And as anyone from Johannesburg knows, those hot days are not guaranteed. So, until the weather decides to be kind again, everything we own smells damp. Our towels, clothes, even the laundry basket – all of it is doing its best impression of a swamp.

To make things more interesting, I’m reluctant to turn on the heater. Sure, we’ve got gas heaters and wall units, but have you experienced South African electricity? With load shedding as a regular guest in our lives, you can never be too sure that power is here to stay. But even with all the heaters and electric blankets (which, by the way, I’m very suspicious of), the dampness is just… relentless. Even my husband’s side of the bed has an electric blanket, and I find myself sneaking over there, trying to warm up. Not that I admit it!

Anyway, with 10 more days of this cool, clammy weather in the forecast, I can’t help but wish I was somewhere with a bit more sunshine. But, if I’m honest, I’d take the cool dampness of Jo’burg or Cape Town any day over the sticky humidity of Durban. I guess the weather, much like my hair, will never quite satisfy everyone. But hey, it’s weather, and we have to be grateful, right?

Speaking of which…

Craving Comfort Food in Jozi

Now, this kind of weather has me thinking about one thing: food. Specifically, I’m in the mood for hearty, warm dishes. You know the kind – the ones that fill you up and make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket (because the actual blankets are failing me right now). Gone are the days of fresh, crisp salads; this is the season for root vegetables and beans.

Potatoes have become my best friend. And I’m talking an Oprah Winfrey level of affection here – if you could see me, you’d understand the intensity. Any root vegetable works for me, from carrots to sweet potatoes to parsnips. Chop them up, drizzle with olive oil and some butter, toss them in the oven, and voilà: you’ve got yourself a plate of roasted vegetables that’ll make you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm hug.

But I’m not done. Just to add a little extra something, I like to toss in a few peppers and courgettes. I know, I know, my husband isn’t a fan of courgettes (don’t ask me why – it’s like he has an irrational fear of them). But I love the texture they bring to the dish. What’s better than a plate of roasted vegetables?

And of course, there’s the breakfast repurpose. Do you ever cook more than you need, knowing full well that tomorrow’s breakfast will be even better than today’s dinner? (I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who does this). A leftover bed of roasted veggies with two poached eggs and a little halloumi cheese is chef’s kiss.

Pro tip: Double batch cooking is your best friend in winter. That way, you’ve got something hearty for dinner and a bulked-up breakfast the next morning. This is a true winter life hack, folks.

Roasts, Gravy, and More Comfort Food

Winter is also the perfect time to indulge in the glory of a roast. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good roast all year round, but there’s something about the crisp air and the smell of something roasting in the oven that makes it extra comforting.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: roasts can be expensive. With VAT going up again (don’t get me started on that), it’s tempting to forgo the expensive cuts. But let me tell you – you don’t have to roast a fillet or leg of lamb to make a satisfying dish. A simple leg of pork or chicken, dressed up and roasted for a couple of hours, will warm your house and your belly. It’s all about those aromas. And let’s face it, there’s nothing better than the smell of roast meat wafting through the house on a cold day.

My latest obsession? A roast leg of pork with apple cider and apple cider vinegar, seasoned with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a touch of star anise (don’t ask how that ended up in my pantry – I have no idea, but I’m glad it did). The result? An intoxicating blend of apple, spices, and warmth that fills the house.

And of course, what’s a roast without gravy? I’m not the most precise cook, so anything that can be called “gravy” automatically gets a splash of cream. That’s how you make it rich and flavourful. Don’t judge me – it’s winter, and we need all the comfort we can get.

Soups, Snacks, and Healthy Nibbles

Now, when it comes to winter, soups are essential. I’ll admit, winter is the one time I actually use up all the grains I’ve been hoarding in my pantry. Barley, quinoa, lentils – you name it, they go into my soup. And let’s not forget the beans! I always buy cans with the best of intentions and then forget about them until the cold weather forces me to be more resourceful.

Soup is perfect because you can chuck everything into a pot, forget about it (as long as you don’t burn it), and then enjoy it the next day. It gets better over time, which means leftovers become lunch or dinner for the next few days. And if you’re feeling really lazy, freeze some for those days when you can’t be bothered to cook.

But, let’s be real: when it’s cold outside, I’m constantly looking for something to nibble on. Fruit’s nice, but it’s not quite the comforting snack I need. Enter: a handful of nuts and seeds with some cheese. It’s not a full meal, but it’s the perfect healthy snack to tide me over until dinner. This is my secret weapon during winter when I’m fighting off the temptation to load up on biscuits and sugary snacks.

So, wherever you are, I hope your weather is treating you kindly (and if it’s not, may your duvet be dry and warm). For those of us dealing with the cool, clammy weather of Johannesburg, we’ll just keep looking for warmth – in the kitchen, in cozy blankets, and in our hearts (because, let’s face it, that’s all we really need, right?).