Comfort food just got a local upgrade.
If you’re feeling the winter chill and craving something hearty, slow-cooked, and proudly South African — we’ve got the perfect recipe for you: Springbok Shanks in a Two-Step Honeybush Marinade.
This dish combines traditional cooking techniques with the delicate earthiness of Honeybush tea, infusing the meat with layered flavours while keeping it tender.
You’ll start with a buttermilk-based marinade to tenderise the shanks, followed by a second marinade featuring grated fruit, warming spices, and brewed Honeybush tea. The result? A dish that’s complex, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable.
Pair it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Traditional pap
- A steaming cup of Honeybush tea
Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a weekend dinner that impresses — this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
You will need approximately 4 springbok shanks and this will serve 4 people generously especially when served with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, pap, or crusty bread.
Recipe Credit: Marike du Toit
Step 1: Buttermilk Tenderising Phase (8–12 hours)
Purpose: Breaks down tough fibres and makes the meat juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk (or use buttermilk; if so, omit lemon juice/vinegar)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Mix the milk and lemon juice/vinegar. Let sit for 5 mins to form buttermilk.
- Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Place springbok shanks in a dish or bag, pour over the marinade, and refrigerate for 8–12 hours.
- Rinse lightly and pat dry.
Step 2: Fruit & Honeybush Flavour Phase (4–6 hours or overnight)
Purpose: Adds flavour depth and complexity.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup strong brewed and cooled Honeybush tea
- 1 grated apple
- 1 grated pear
- 1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 2 thyme sprigs
- (Optional) 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients.
- Place shanks in a clean dish or bag, cover with marinade, and refrigerate 4–6 hours or overnight.
🔥 Cooking Instructions (Oven or Stove):
- Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown shanks on all sides.
- Add marinade and a bit more Honeybush tea or stock if needed.
- Cover and cook slowly (stovetop or oven at 160°C) for 2½–3 hours, until tender and richly flavoured.
🛒 Buy Honeybush Tea online: https://sahta.co.za/where-to-buy-honeybush/
📩 Interested in reselling Honeybush tea? Contact: marketing@sahta.co.za
Let the aroma fill your kitchen, the warmth fill your heart, and the flavour bring everyone to the table.