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Potjiekos
Season the lamb with salt and pepper and dust with flour. Heat the oil in a heavy lidded pot and brown the meat in batches until dark at the edges. Set aside.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Potjiekos take?
3 hr 30 min all in — 30 min prep, 3 hr cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
What can I use instead?
Red wine → An extra 150 ml stock or a bottle of beer. Beer potjie is its own tradition. Use a dark lager.
What should I watch for?
Lifting the lid lets the steam out and the top layers go dry. Trust it.
Any tips from this recipe?
Over coals, keep a small fire of a few briquettes under the pot and replace them as they die. The pot should barely murmur. A handful of dried apricots or a glug of sherry in the liquid is common in Cape versions and worth trying. Chicken potjie is quicker: thighs on the bone, 90 minutes total.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.