With a little creativity and a few pantry staples, you can whip up satisfying meals that require no electricity.
While we can’t control when load-shedding strikes, we can help you plan the type of meals you can prepare when it does happen.
Preparing meals when load-shedding strikes
If you’re always one step ahead and have the load-shedding app on your phone or schedules printed to the fridge, it’s easy to plan and prep meals. Most of our load-shedding recipes call for easy prep and minimal ingredients, making it convenient for you to plan what meals you’re going to make. Always buy your ingredients in advance, prep them to save time and store in a container in the fridge. That way, when it’s loadshedding, you do minimal prep and simply toss it all together.
Start a braai before the power goes
Even though your electricity might be out, a braai only needs wood, charcoal and fire to get started. Depending on the weather or if you have a covered area outside, take the braai out and get that fire going.
It doesn’t take long until you’re ready to throw some meat or veggies on the grill. An easy load-shedding recipe to try is BBQ smoked pork ribs.
Leftovers always come in handy for load-shedding
Meals from the previous night always come in handy when the power is cut. It just needs to be reheated on the braai and you have lunch or dinner in an easy 10 minutes.
Top tips to beat load-shedding
We know that load-shedding can be a pain, but there are some smart ways that you can be one step ahead and beat the load-shedding blues.
- Get a small gas hob or camping gas hob for emergencies
Gas hobs are lifesavers when it comes to load-shedding. You won’t be as impacted by the power outage if you have a handigas hob to fall back on. It may be small, but it will do the trick of saving you and your family from hunger.
- Get a solar or rechargeable light
Say goodbye to load-shedding with solar panels. Not only do they reduce your electricity bills, they also convert the sun’s energy into electricity, helping you beat any power outage.
Food ideas for a power outage
When the power’s out, you bring the braai out. If you thought we were going to tell you that all you could eat during a power outage was sandwiches and a packet of crisps, that’s not the case!
Boiled Egg and Avocado Toast (if you’ve prepped ahead)
Ingredients: Boiled eggs, avocado, bread or rolls.
Method: Smash avocado onto toast, top with sliced egg, sprinkle with salt, pepper and chilli flakes.
Classic chicken mayo sandwiches
Ingredients: Leftover grilled chicken, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, bread or rolls.
Method: Mix chicken and mayo, season to taste, and spread onto fresh bread.
Tip: Add chopped onion.
Cook Once, eat twice: Pre-cook stews or pasta
Make a big batch of beef stew, chicken curry or pasta during power hours and store in a flask or insulated container. It stays warm for hours and is ready to serve when the lights go out.
Fresh fruit and yoghurt cups
Ingredients: Mixed fruit (banana, apple, grapes), plain or flavoured yoghurt, honey or muesli.
Method: Layer into cups or bowls for a quick, refreshing meal.
Pro tips: Invest in a gas stove or camping burner for quick cooking.
Crackers and cheese snack platter
Ingredients: Crackers, cheese, sliced cold meats, pickles, fruit (like grapes or apple slices).
Method: Arrange on a board or plate for a fuss-free snacky dinner.
Perfect for: Load-shedding evenings with family or guests.
Lemon garlic prawns on the braai
Amazing as a snack or dinner, lemon garlic prawns are super succulent and smoky from the braai. Serve in a salad or with some leftover savoury rice.
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