Dip, Spread, Enjoy: Rediscover the Joy of Homemade South African Flavours

After spending some time abroad and missing familiar foods, it’s amazing how your creativity kicks in. Suddenly you’re whipping up flavours that transport you back to your childhood. For me, sandwich spread brings me right back to first grade. I’ve always adored it, so you can imagine my excitement when I managed to recreate this tasty South African spread right here in Austria!

In the whimsical world of culinary creations, there are many treats that bring on nostalgia. For me sandwich spread is one of them. Picture a lively British tea table adorned with savoury delights, where sandwiches without crusts rule the roost. Little did we know, this cherished tradition would make its way to the sunny shores of South Africa. Heinz, if I’m not mistaken, was the first to produce sandwich spread. There are a few brand names on the shelves at supermarkets countrywide in South Africa. We all have our favourites!

Sandwich Spread

What’s the deal with sandwich spread, you wonder? It effortlessly turns simple ingredients into a symphony of flavours and textures. It’s as simple as adding a splash of zesty lemon juice and crunchy veggies to creamy homemade mayonnaise. The ingredients are probably right in your fridge. While its roots may lie in British tradition, sandwich spread has embraced the diverse influences of South African cuisine, spread generously on sandwiches for generations.

Oh – the emotional satisfaction of homemade sandwich spread! There’s something deeply fulfilling about crafting your spread from scratch, a pinch of love that infuses every bite with warmth and nostalgia. As you chop, mix, and stir, memories come flooding back, reminding you of the simple joys of tasty sandwiches and home.

Homemade Sandwich Spread

Whether you’re spreading it on crusty homemade sandwich bread for a picnic in the park or dolloping it onto crackers for a spontaneous gathering with friends, homemade sandwich spread has this magical ability to turn ordinary moments into something special. It’s a testament to food’s power to bring us together, stir up emotions, and create memories that linger long after the last bite is gone.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of homemade sandwich spread, take a moment to savour the journey. And who knows? With a sprinkle of imagination and a dash of South African flair, you might just create a spread sensation of your own.

Easy Homemade Sandwich Spread

Tasty, creamy and crunchy packed with homemade freshness.

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Prep Time: 15

Course: Dips & Spreads

Cuisine: European, South African

Keyword: Sandwich spread

Ingredients

250 ml homemade mayo or mayonnaise of choice
1 or 2 spring onions
½ bell pepper
1 medium carrot
1 large gherkin
pinch salt to taste
squeeze lemon juice to taste
dash vinegar or pickle vinegar to taste

Instructions

Peel and finely chop all the veggies. Not too fine as the spread needs a bit of texture.
Mix all the veggies into the mayo.
I like to prepare homemade mayo in a wide neck jar, and mix the veggies straight in. You can also use a bowl and transfer everything into a jar with a tight seal.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of vinegar and a pinch of salt to taste.
Taste test! Add a little more zest or salt as desired.
Store in a sealed jar, in the fridge for about a week.
Enjoy on sandwiches, toast or as a dip.
* I suggest leaving in the fridge for 12 – 24 hours for the veggies to soften just a little, but it's declicious as is!

You can add any crunchy veggies of your choice to your homemade mayo. As long as the veggies aren’t too watery.

I hope that you’ll give this easy homemade sandwich spread recipe a try – I’m convinced that you’ll love it as much as we do!

If you’re an expat looking for a simple taste of home, I know this recipe is it!

xoxo