Summers get very hot on safari in the African bush, and so we make sure that on days when heavy, meaty dishes are not appropriate, we have some lighter meals to tempt guests’ taste-buds with.

Take a look at this recipe for baby marrow salad and focaccia bread, courtesy of Waterside Lodge!

Ingredients – Baby Marrow Salad

• 45ml Olive oil
• 30ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5ml Fresh lemon zest
• 10ml Dried origanum
• 2-6ml Garlic salt
• 5-6 Baby marrows
• 60ml Fresh mint, chopped
• 60ml Large black olives, chopped
• 100g Mixed greens like baby spinach and assorted lettuce leaves
• 80g Feta cheese
• 30g Toasted pine nuts

Method

1. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice and lemon zest in a large bowl then add the origanum and garlic salt
2. Trim the ends off the baby marrows. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the marrows lengthwise into 1/16-inch-thick strips and place the ribbons in a large bowl, add the mint, olives and greens.
3. Toss the baby marrow ribbon salad gently with a vinaigrette until the leaves are lightly coated. Top with crumbled feta and pine nuts.

Ingredients – Cheese and Onion Focaccia Bread

• 10g Instant dry yeast
• 500ml Luke warm water
• 4 cups Cake flour
• 2 T Olive oil
• 1 1/2 t Salt
• 30ml Sugar
• 500ml Cheddar cheese, grated
• 250ml Onions, sliced
• 2 T Olive oil

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C.
2. Sift the flour and salt together.
3. Add the yeast and sugar.
4. Mix to a soft dough with the water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until soft and elastic.
6. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise for 30 to 60 minutes.
7. Place the dough on a floured surface, knock it back and roll into a rectangle.

For the Topping:

1. Heat the remaining olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Fry the onion until translucent.
3. Sprinkle the fried onion over the bread dough.
4. Top with the grated cheese.
5. Bake the bread on a floured sheet for 30 to 40 minutes.

Serve the Focaccia as a snack on its own or as a side dish to accompany this delicious salad.

A safari at Thornybush is not just about the animals, it’s the whole experience – so get in touch today!