Exclusive recipe to spread food-and-wine warmth this chilly season

Stuck for a simple, but great food-and-wine recipe? Stellenbosch Hills always has your back, thanks to its diverse range of sumptuous food-friendly wines. Specifically with colder months in mind, the winery behind some of South Africa’s most trusted, go-to brands has commissioned a recipe for a hearty dish that pairs with its latest red and white wines. The dish also happens to be meatless – so great for vegetarians too!

The occasion is the celebration of Stellenbosch Hills’ latest vintage wines – a 2021 Chenin Blanc and 2018 Merlot. Notable for their quality and intense flavour profiles, the wines are great by themselves but even better when served with a delicious meal.

Hallmarks of the Chenin Blanc include its fine balance, fruity character and crisp acidity. Imagine a burst of passion fruit and stone fruit from the glass with notes of melon, green apples and litchi, held together by a hint of lemon zest.

As for the full-bodied Merlot, the wine sings of red, black and mulberries as well as ripe plums on a backdrop of oak spice and a hint of cloves. It won Double Gold at the 2021 National Wine Challenge and was named Red Wine of the Year in the 2021 Ultra Value Wine Challenge.

The recipe that marries the two – a Hungarian-style paprika mushroom soup – was developed for Stellenbosch Hills by well-known foodie and cookbook author, Ilse van der Merwe, aka The Food Fox.

“This hearty, earthy, meatless soup is made with Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc,” says Ilse. “Its crisp acidity just lifts the dish, but also impeccably meets the wine that is served alongside. On the other hand, the umami flavours conjured up by the mushrooms and paprika really connect with the Stellenbosch Hills Merlot, thanks in particular to the wine’s oak and spice.

“Choose your favourite wine to serve, or just serve with both!”

The wines are available online via www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za or at leading wine retailers countrywide.

The 2018 Stellenbosch Hills Merlot sells for around R94/bottle; and, the 2021 Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc, for around R63/bottle.

For more information, visit the website, call 021 881 3828/9 or, email info@stellenbosch-hills.co.za. Also find Stellenbosch Hills on Facebook (StellenboschHills), Twitter @STBHills and Instagram @stellenbosch_hills. 

The Stellenbosch Hills winery and tasting room is located at the intersection of the R310 and Vlottenburg Road, just outside Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch Hills’ Paprika Mushroom Soup

This creamy, hearty mushroom soup made in a Hungarian style is the perfect way to welcome autumn. Made with earthy paprika, fresh cream, white wine and lots of herbs, it is a versatile dish and pairs beautifully with both Stellenbosch Hills’ Chenin Blanc and Merlot. The soup can be served as a starter in smaller quantities, or as a main course with toasted bread or chunky croutons.

Ingredients: (serve 3-4 as a main, or 6 as a starter)

60g (4 tablespoons) butter 30ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil 2 large onions, chopped 500g brown or portabellini mushrooms, sliced 3-4 garlic cloves, finely grated/chopped 20ml (4 teaspoons) sweet paprika 30-45ml (2-3 tablespoons) fresh thyme leaves, stalks discarded 10ml (2 teaspoons) dried origanum 500ml (2 cups) chicken/vegetable stock 125ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine 30ml (2 tablespoons) soy sauce

250ml (1 cup) milk 45ml (3 tablespoons) flour – cake or white bread flour 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream Salt & pepper 15ml lemon juice A handful Italian parsley, finely chopped, to serve Fresh bread/baguette, buttered & toasted, to serve (or chunky croutons) A few dollops sour cream or thickened cream, to serve (optional)

Method:

In a large wide pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the oil. Add the onions and fry until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the mushrooms, garlic, paprika, thyme and origanum and continue to fry for about 10 minutes, stirring until the mushrooms have softened and the bottom of the pot starts to become sticky.

Add the stock, wine and soy sauce and bring to a simmer – cook for 5 minutes. In a medium jug or mixing bowl, add the milk and flour and whisk to mix thoroughly. Then, add the mixture to the pot along with the cream. Stir well and bring to a simmer, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the soup has thickened, stirring often. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, then taste and season further if needed.

Serve hot in bowls, scatter with chopped parsley, toasted bread/croutons, and if you wish, a dollop of sour cream or cream.

Recipe by Ilse van der Merwe – www.thefoodfox.com.

Content and images supplied by Random Hat Communications.