Do you like to try out interesting deli recipes?
Here at Lanzerac we love deli food, and our award-winning deli serves what we consider to be the very best variety of deli foods on offer!
However, we didn’t get to be the best by resting on our laurels or by ignoring the opinions and inputs of those in the know.
That’s why we’ve asked a handful of South Africa’s best food bloggers to share their favourite deli recipes – to spread the love and so that we can all keep learning from our country’s foremost food bloggers!
Keep reading for more on some delicious deli treats, from tuna salad to flapjacks, from beef burgers to vegetarian delights, South Africa’s favourite food bloggers deliver with Lanzerac.
1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad
by Dianne Bibby, Bibby’s Kitchen
“This is the type of meal I’d like to eat at a deli for a casual lunch. It’s light, fresh and packed with flavour, texture and vibrant colour. To bring it all together, a lemony olive oil dressing is all this salad needs. It incorporate healthy and delicious into one, which in my book, ticks all the boxes.”
We couldn’t agree more! Di’s recipe is fresh, fun, and requires absolutely no cooking – a perfect deli meal for those hot days in which turning on an oven seems like cruel and unusual punishment. With this recipe it’s just you, your favourite chopping knife, and about a half hour of prep!
Gourmet deli dining made easy, this is a recipe you can replicate in your own home with ease, and with store-bought ingredients brought to life by one or two fresh produce items that your local supermarket is bound to carry. A quick and easy yet satisfying staple, Bibby’s Kitchen’s Mediterranean tuna salad is a summer must-try!
To try Di’s recipe for Mediterranean tuna salad, featuring sweet bell peppers, home-pickled onions, semi sun dried tomatoes, capers, olives, chickpeas, cucumber, scallions, feta and chunky tuna, among other delicious ingredients.
Image by Bibby’s Kitchen
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2. Lamb and Lentil Bobotie
by Sarah Graham, Sarahgraham.co.za
Sarah Graham of Sarah Graham Food gives this tried and trusted, proudly South African favourite a bit of a 21st century food blogger update with her lamb and lentil variation on traditional South African bobotie.
Whether you’re looking to cook your significant other a meal that will knock their socks off, or prepare your foreign visitors a local meal they’ll never forget, Sarah’s lamb and lentil bobotie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Sarah recommends serving this delicious winter dinner treat with sides such as creamy cauliflower mash or a simple green salad.
With a 30 – 40 minute cooking time, and about as much prep-time needed, this recipe is best tried when you have some extra time on your hands. Featuring bay leaves, dried chilli flakes, whole wheat bread, flaked almonds and fresh ginger, this recipe may also send you running to the store in preparation.
Despite the extra effort required on the part of the amateur foodie, Sarah’s lamb and lentil bobotie recipe is clear, concise, and easy to follow and is bound to deliver a stellar deli meal experience every time!
For more on Sarah’s recipe, or to download the full list of ingredients and instructions.
Image by Sarah Graham
Get the full recipe
3. Berry-licious Flapjacks
by Chantelle Le Roux, Table & Thyme (Also visit T&T on Instagram)
Nothing says deli breakfast quite like ‘flapjacks’. This berry-licious twist on an old favourite takes this breakfast staple to new heights!
Tables & Thyme teach you exactly how to make this delicious South African version of flapjacks over on their website and they assure us their berry-licious flapjacks make the perfect treat for a breakfast in bed!
We’re inclined to take their word it but even if we weren’t, the photographs speak for themselves!
A quick and easy-to-follow recipe that even teaches you how to make your own berry compote from scratch (no store-bought compotes or premixes in this recipe, no Sir!), berry-licious flapjacks sound like the perfect start to a day of deli dining!
Vegetarian, and with a world of options for vegan variations, this is a perfect deli snack for everyone!
Image by Table & Thyme
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4. Smoked Vanilla Crème Brûlée Tarts
by Katelyn Williams, The Kate Tin
Katelyn Williams from The Kate Tin has the following to say about her delicious smoked vanilla creme brulee tarts, and where they fit into her vision for the perfect deli meal:
“When I still worked as a pastry chef at a deli a couple of years ago we used to serve the most delicious creme brulee – it was silky smooth and it’s a recipe that’s never let me down. So i’ve taken it and given it a bit of a twist by adding liquid smoke and a pastry base. I think it would be the perfect end to a casual deli meal!”
If you have no idea what liquid smoke is, don’t panic, it’s not exactly your everyday ingredient! Liquid Smoke is basically a flavouring in liquid form that serves as a substitute for the smoking process; giving foods that same smoky flavour without any of the effort traditional smoking methods entail.
This recipe is one for the adventurous, for those who want to take their taste buds on a next-level adventure. There is absolutely nothing traditional about this recipe, and it’s the better for it! Sometimes, in order to make magic, you need to push the envelope a little bit and that’s exactly what Kate has done!
We’ve heard it said that the true test of a master chef lies in sampling his creme brulee… if you’re up for the challenge, you can head on over to Kate’s website for the full list of ingredients, plus a complete list of instructions on how to make this otherworldly deli dessert.
Image by The Kate Tin
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5. Toasted Mix Veg Sandwich
by Usha Zingh, Healthy Vegetarian Foods
Another vegetarian deli delight, Usha Singh’s recipe for toasted mixed veg sammies is to die for! Usha reckons her toasted vegetable sandwiches are a perfect deli main when served with a side of veggie crisps; can we just say, yum!
She describes her toasted veggie sandwich as her take on the traditional “Mumbai Masala Cheese Toasted Sandwich” and, if you’re doing it right, she says it features curried mashed potatoes, cheese, and a sauce so hot your taste buds won’t know what hit them!
Her version has been pared down so that it can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Whether you’re a fan of hot or mild spice, her recipe is easily adapted and easy to follow!
This recipe requires ingredients you may not have on hand, so a trip to the store is in order in order to prep for this deli dining delight, but don’t let that put you off!
The ingredients you’ll need to acquire can be used for a whole host of other awesome deli recipes featured here; so not a single drop, leaf, or drip will go to waste!
To find out what you’ll need to purchase in advance, and how you can make these delicious toasted veggie sandwiches in the comfort of your own home, visit Healthy Vegetarian Foods.
Image by Usha Zingh
Get the full recipe
6. Vegetable Cakes/Patties
by Bernice Griffiths, Betty Bake
Bernice Griffiths over at Betty Bake started focussing on developing healthier deli alternatives and baking practices after her daughter was diagnosed as gluten intolerant. About deli dining she has the following to say:
“My favourite meal at a deli would be: either a healthy dessert or delicious vibrant fresh lunch. Deli’s can be so homey, filled with jars of preserves and home made jams and the smell of something freshly baked.”
We think Bernice’s Vegetable Cakes are just that: vibrant, fresh, and delicious!
These veggie cakes go down very well at parties, Bernice says, and can be topped with a little cream cheese for presentation’s sake. A recipe that’s easy to adapt based on what you happen to have onhand, Betty Bake knows how to do real food real good!
While her recipe calls for gluten-free flour, you can always substitute it with regular flour. However, as is, this recipe for Vegetable patties is perfect for vegetarians and the gluten intolerant alike.
Show your veggie and celiac friends that you care – make them some delicious deli delights that meet their dietary requirements!
Image by Betty Bake
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7. Irresistible Beef Burger
by Elmarie Berry, Elmarie Berry Good Foods
Elmarie Berry of Elmarie, Berry Good Food has the following to say about the inspiration for her irresistible beef burgers:
“Some burgers are gourmet and piled high with toppings, whereas others are thinner, simpler or steamy and sloppy. I had my best burger in New York City and it is one of those things you tasted and will never forget. One thing stood out for me -it is the mustard and homemade tomato sauce on it.
It was insanely delicious. I tried to copy the burger for you, open a bottle of red wine and enjoy it!! I opened a bottle of Balance Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, it took me straight back to Time Square and all my fond memories of that trip.”
Providing you with an additional link to her recipe for homemade tomato sauce, Elmarie’s recipe for irresistible beef burgers is thorough, easy-to-understand, and available on her website.
With only 4 simple steps to complete, this recipe also serves 4 and is bound to satisfy your NY-burger cravings – after all, nothing tastes quite like an American Cheeseburger, from a deli or otherwise!
Bring a little of the Big Apple home with you with Elmarie Berry’s irresistible beef burger recipe.
Image by Elmarie Berry
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8. Beetroot Tart Tatin
by Melissa Delport, The Truffle Journal
The Truffle Journal is literally the Instagram hashtag ‘#foodporn’ come to life. A beautifully curated website full of delicious recipes and breathtaking photography, their recipe for Beetroot Tart Tatin may just be our favourite!
A humorously narrated recipe, this food blogger’s voice definitely comes through in the content she shares and makes the baking experience that much more fun!
With easy step by step guidelines to follow, and many margin notes referring to acceptable substitutions, The Truffle Journal really manages to make gourmet meal prep look effortless!
Including personal recommendations for spots to eat and drink in and around Cape Town, The Truffle Journal is a must-check site whether you’re in the mood to reproduce gourmet dining options in your own kitchen, or whether you’re in the mood for a night out on the town!
Image by The Truffle Journal
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9. Moroccan Chicken Couscous Salad
by Alida Ryder, Simply Delicious Food
Alida Ryder of Simply Delicious describes her recipe for moroccan chicken couscous salad as “a great, flavourful recipe that can be made in advance for easy lunches”.
Perfect for those fitness fanatics among us who meal-prep, Alida’s moroccan chicken couscous salad recipe is healthy, filling, and oh-so-tasty!
Featuring a really cool video guide that you can follow handsfree while cooking, Alida simplifies wherever possible, and this recipe produces 5-star deli-worthy meals without any on the pomp and circumstance.
Using ordinary ingredients and equipment you’re bound to have at home, this quick and easy recipe is a great way to bring all the decadence and deliciousness of the local deli home with you!
A great source for meal prep recipes out the wazoo, Simply Delicious is your one-stop health-food recipe stop!
Image by Simply Delicious Food
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10. Fig, Parma Ham and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad
by Anina Meyer, Aninas Recipes
Comfort food with a conscience, this fig, parma ham and buffalo mozzarella delicacy switches out the sourdough toast for leafy greens, bringing you all of the flavour with none of the guilt!
A salad that screams ‘instagram me’, Anina from Anina’s Recipes says that it makes an ideal “side note to a main meal”.
A lover of deli food herself, Anina was inspired by typical deli starters, and now teaches you how to make this delicious treat in the comfort of your own kitchen!
A gorgeous, moody online presence, coupled with stellar food photography makes Anina’s Recipes a recipe source you could stare at all day. Disclaimer: you might just start drooling! The food looks that good!
Offering unique insights into options for substitutions and unique flavour combinations, Anina’s personal asides make this recipe that much more flexible and adaptable to a range of tastes and food preferences.
You can easily take this salad from sweet to tart, and Anina will show you how!
Whether you’re keen to try this deli staple for yourself, or just want to stare at some gorgeous food photography, do yourself a favour and visit Anina’s Recipes.
Image by Aninas Recipes
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11. How To Boil and Bake a Bagel
by Ilse van der Merwe, The Food Fox
Speaking of her own deli preferences, Ilse van der Merwe from The Food Fox has the following to say:
“I’m usually a “sweet breakfast” kinda person, so I prefer almond or chocolate croissants and good coffee when I go to a deli in the morning. However, for lunch, I’d rather have a light sandwich, like a bagel filled with cream cheese and cold smoked trout/salmon.
It’s easy to eat, and I love the mouthfeel of the cool cream cheese and silky trout. It’s also the perfect take-away for a picnic or on-the-go snack.”
Her own preference and predilection for bagels led Ilse to try and make her own and this gorgeous recipe and how-to guide was born as a result!
If the world “boil” in the title confused you, don’t worry! Ilse didn’t know how boiling a bagel could possibly result in the fluffy finished product she was used to either!
However, Ilse learnt the secret to masterfully crafting a fluffy, delectable doughnut-shaped bagel, and now she’s sharing it with all of you! And yes, it does actually involved boiling!
If you love bagels, and would also love not to spend a fortune or drive out of your way to procure them, this recipe might just be the answer to your prayers!
Image by The Food Fox
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12. Brioche & Honeycomb Butter
by Sam Taylor, Pomegranate Days
Sam Taylor over at Pomegranate Days has some pretty specific ideas about what deli dining (should) entail(s):
“When I think deli, I think of Weekend breakfasts with one too many cappuccinos and of picking up a basket of delicious treats on the way out the door. Delis to me, are places of inspiration and a well curated deli will never disappoint.
With that in mind, I give you my recipe for a Brioche with Honey Butter recipe which is really exactly the type of breakfast / dessert (haha) that I would order in a deli if it were on the menu.”
Bearing that in mind, Sam shares with us a recipe for brioche with honeycomb butter that is easy enough to follow, delicious to consume, and truly a labour of love.
This one is a bit of day project with a prep and cook time of over 4 hours combined, but take our word for it, every second is worth it once you taste this delicacy!
For more on how to make brioche with honeycomb butter in your own home, visit Pomegranate Days and Sam Taylor.
Image by Pomegranate Days
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13. Coco-choc Ice Cream Sandwiches with Caramelised Pears
by Saaleha Bamjee, Ice Cream Everyday
This one’s for the sweet tooth! Ice Cream Every Day’s decadent recipe for coco-choc ice cream sandwiches with caramelised pears is out of this world amazing!
A dessert combining a complex and multi-layered flavour palette as well as a wide variety of textures, this dessert is bound to please even the most finicky foodie at your shindig!
This downloadable recipe means you can access the instructions and ingredients list offline (bonus!), and the Pick n Pay sponsored effort is easy to follow and easy on the eyes! But that’s not even the best part!
This recipe can be prepared a couple of days in advance and assembled just before serving, so you can take the stress off yourself on event-day by doing all your prep in advance! Is dessert prep a thing? It is now!
If you want to download this amazing recipe for yourself, visit Ice Cream Every Day.
Image by Ice Cream Everyday
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14. Deconstructed Smoked Salmon Salad
by Yolandi North, A Zesty Life
Nothing’s quite as hipster as a recipe that starts with the word ‘deconstructed’ – but in this case, that’s a great thing!
Yolandi from A Zesty Life tells us she’s “a HUGE fan of smoke salmon, so a favourite light meal [of hers] is [her] Deconstructed Salmon Salad”. Now we think light meals and we think deli, so we’ve decided to include this mouthwatering recipe for you to try out at home!
The best thing about this deconstructed smoked salmon salad is that you can actually vary your quantities very easily to make more than just a salad for two!
And it’s deconstructed nature means that this is the ideal light meal to share with picky eaters as they can construct their meal themselves bite by bite and leave out anything they don’t particularly enjoy without any additional effort on their part or yours!
Quick and easy to prepare, the only costly ingredient in this recipe is your smoked salmon, and the amount you include is going to depend on both your budget and the amount of people you are trying to feed!
Yolandi recommends Woolworth’s oak smoked Norwegian salmon ribbons, available at selected Woolies Food stores nationwide.
To try out this deconstructed salad recipe for yourself, visit A Zesty Life.
Image by A Zesty Life
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15. Malva Pudding Doughnuts Recipe
by Jessica Franks, Jesska.co.za
Be still my beating heart! As though malva pudding and doughnuts weren’t delicious and crave-worthy in their own right, Jess from Jessica, get this, combined the two to make Malva Pudding Doughnuts!
And you can too, because Jess was kind enough to share her recipe with all of us!
Describing her recipe, Jess says: “The sweet, sticky, caramelised goodness of malva pudding gets an upgrade in this perfect handheld doughnut form”, and we simply couldn’t agree more!
Finger foods are where it’s at, and if those finger foods just happen to be bite-sized versions of some of our favourite traditional puddings, we’re all the more excited!
You can create these perfect deli desserts using a mini doughnut maker or using a doughnut pan, and the best part is they’re baked not fried! Does that mean we get to call them healthy? At least healthier?
If you want to take your taste buds on an adventure to 7th heaven, visit Jessica and get cracking!
Image by Jesska.co.za
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16. Pizzette
by Georgia East, Eastafternoon.com
Georgia East of East After Noon is an incredible business woman, incredible food blogger, and just downright incredible human being who just happens to have an incredible way with words, so we’ll let her tell you about her ideal deli treat in her own words:
“I’m greatly inspired by the food and flavours of the Mediterranean, specifically the predominantly seafaring nations of Greece and Portugal. For me, a recipe isn’t complete unless it contains a healthy amount of olive oil, fresh herbs, sea salt and garlic.
I’m currently having a love affair with the humble sardine and the flavour of anchovies – proof that the best kinds of food needn’t come with a hefty price tag. I’m also a fan of Greek meze – the fishy creaminess of taramasalata, the buttery snap of phyllo pastry used for spanakopita, the umami combination of fish and chip one finds with whitebait.
Anything that can be thrown together in 15 minutes and enjoyed out of doors with a glass of chilled white wine also comes top of my list. I’ve recently discovered the pleasure of a simple salad made with boiled new potatoes, Greek yoghurt, finely chopped red onion, mint and dill, smoked salmon and a hit of lemon.
And what list of favourite deli fare would be complete with bread? Pita toasted in garlicky olive oil and greedily eaten with generous spoonfuls of hummus, the spongy clinginess of fresh ciabatta, spread liberally with tapenade or chopped liver or the first bite from a lunchtime bagel, covered in sesame seeds and packed full of cream cheese, salmon and pickles.
My latest obsession is with pizzette – a small pizza flatbread hybrid that I simply make by drizzling olive oil and garlic over a naan bread and topping it with seasonal ingredients, charcuterie and my favourite burrata cheese.
To me, deli food needs to be about simplicity, authenticity and accessibility – whether you’re sitting down to lunch or eating on the run.”
There you have it folks! To try Georgia’s Pizzettes for yourself, visit East After Noon.
Image by Eastafternoon.com
Get the full recipe
There you go! Now you have 16 interesting and mouthwatering recipes you can try out at home! Lanzerac would also want to give a special thanks to each food blogger that contributed to make this such an outstanding post.
If you can’t wait until you’re in the kitchen again, you can always visit the Lanzerac Deli for a unforgettable experience.
