Sometimes, it’s the simple things that shape culture, like making potjie and standing around a fire, or indulging in great conversation and stellar wine. This Heritage Month, we celebrate the exceptional quality of South African wines, world-renowned and locally treasured, with four globally-inspired dishes with a local twist. And because we’re big on flavour and easy sipping, we’ve paired each dish with a wine from the Ernie Els Big Easy collection.

Ernie Els Wines

Located in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch, Ernie Els produces wines as iconic as the local golf legend himself. From Chenin Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, each of the four wines in the Big Easy collection is a reflection of the seasoned terroir. Their flagship Red Blend, with its spice-led Shiraz and ruby plum core, is favourited by many. Its easy drinkability makes it ideal for celebrating big occasions with family and friends; we can’t imagine a better way to spend this Heritage Day. Whether enjoying a hearty dish or hosting a braai, raise a glass of Big Easy wine and indulge in these sensational recipes.

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Lamb Shank Potjie Pies

Potjie is a rite of passage for locals; it’s safe to say that we’ve mastered the art of this slow-cooked tradition. These showstopping Lamb Shank Potjie Pies are all the proof you need!

Serve with buttery mash and a generous glass of Big Easy Red Blend. This complex blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Viognier is perfect for any occasion.

Paying homage to potjiekos, this version celebrates those homegrown flavours in single servings. Lamb shanks are slow-cooked in a red wine and rosemary infused gravy. The fall-off-the-bone lamb is topped with puff pastry and cooked ’til golden brown and flaky. Serve with buttery mash and a generous glass of Big Easy Red Blend. This complex blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault and Viognier is perfect for any occasion. Delicate tannins and the spice-forward Shiraz make it a truly unforgettable wine!

Recipe for Lamb Shank Potjie Pies

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Biltong, Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tartlets

Inspired by the quintessential South African snack, biltong, these tartlets are the ultimate party starter. Serve with Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon for a divine pairing.

Fragrant aromas of wild rosemary, leafy herbs and spring plums make this delectable wine the ideal match for these canapés.

Contrasting flavours of salty biltong, earthy blue cheese and sweet, caramelised onions make for the perfect bite. Combine with the buttery shortcrust pastry and the creamy egg custard filling, and your tastebuds are in for a savoury treat! Garnish with peppery rocket to complement the blackcurrant and balsamic notes of Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon. Fragrant aromas of wild rosemary, leafy herbs and spring plums make this delectable wine the ideal match for these canapés. Enjoy!

Recipe for Biltong, Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tartlets

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Yellowtail Fish Tacos with Green Apple Slaw

Fish braais are as sacred as Sunday dessert for locals; there’s just something about gathering around the fire while indulging in conversation and wine.

Enjoy a taco in one hand and a glass of Big Easy Chenin Blanc in the other! Generously fruited, the palate radiates with ripe mango, pineapple glacé, green pears and licks of lime.

This local take on fish tacos, featuring yellowtail, is great for outdoor gatherings. Enjoy a taco in one hand and a glass of Big Easy Chenin Blanc in the other! Generously fruited, the palate radiates with ripe mango, pineapple glacé, green pears and licks of lime. Its rounded texture and cool acidity make it ideal for this dish. Baste the fish with smoked paprika, chilli powder, garlic and lime juice. Once braaied to perfection, top the toasted flour tortillas with chunks of yellowtail and slaw. Drizzle with avo mayo, and take one big bite!

Recipe for Yellowtail Fish Tacos with Green Apple Slaw

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White Choc & Rose Water Panna Cotta with Rosé Fruit Compote

End Heritage Day celebrations with a delightful dessert and treat guests to this divine Panna Cotta berry compote, infused with a dash of Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé.

Elegant and summery, this wine is best served with refreshing desserts. Forest berry notes and red hibiscus and citrus orange aromatics unfold with each sip.

No dining occasion is complete without dessert; we love that this treat is deceptively simple to make, leaving more time to socialise with guests. Cream, melted white chocolate and rose water form the base of this Panna Cotta; the rich flavours are balanced by a satisfyingly tart berry compote infused with Big Easy Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé. Elegant and summery, this wine is best served with refreshing desserts. Forest berry notes and red hibiscus and citrus orange aromatics unfold with each sip. Take this heavenly pairing to delicious heights and top with meringues and seasonal berries, and savour each decadent spoonful!

Recipe for White Choc & Rose Water Panna Cotta with Rosé Fruit Compote

Shop the full Big Red collection and other exquisite wines from the Ernie Els online shop. 

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