This September, Wonderbag celebrated the spirit of unity with its #BetterTogether campaign, showcasing South Africa’s culinary pairings. As part of the campaign, Wonderbag founder Sarah Collins shares her iconic Durban Lamb Curry recipe, complemented by slow-cooked rice, made in a Wonderbag – a versatile cooking method that not only honours the tradition of slow cooking but also nurtures family connections around healthy, wholesome meals.

For Sarah Collins, Founder of Wonderbag, the Indian markets of central Durban served as an early source of inspiration. “The spices in those markets would transport me to faraway places filled with exotic aromas and vibrant laughter,” she recalls. “But I didn’t yet have the confidence to create my own curry from scratch. That all changed when I started using a Wonderbag. I began experimenting with my own lamb curry recipe, and after many attempts, I finally perfected it. Now, it’s a staple at my Sunday lunches, and everyone always comes back for seconds!”

Sarah shares her Wonderbag Lamb Curry recipe below to serve as an example of how the Wonderbag helps preserve the traditions of slow-cooked meals while allowing modern cooks to save time and energy. Many more Mzansi-inspired recipe pairings have been shared online via Wonderbag’s social media platforms to be enjoyed by all South Africans.

Sarah’s Wonderbag Lamb Curry Recipe

Ingredients

2 Tbsp sunflower oil

2 ½ pounds lamb chops (on the bone)

1 medium onion, chopped

4 chilies, chopped

2 garlic cloves, diced

2 Tbsp fresh ginger, crushed

3 Tbsp mild or medium curry powder

28 oz can chopped, peeled tomatoes

2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 bay leaf

14 oz cans butter beans, drained

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup plain yogurt

½ cup cucumber, peeled and shredded

2 bananas, sliced

4 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the lamb in 2 Tbsp of oil for 2 minutes on each side, then set aside.

Step 2: Sauté onions, then add chilies, garlic, ginger, and curry powder for 2 minutes. Return the lamb to the pot, season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add tomatoes and 1 cup of water, bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Add butter beans and tomato paste, then let it boil for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Place the lidded pot into the Wonderbag and leave it to cook for 4-5 hours.

Step 5: Mix grated cucumber and yogurt in a small bowl.

Step 6: Serve the curry over rice with the yogurt mixture and banana slices as toppings.

Wonderbag’s Perfect Rice: A Game-Changer

“For those who struggle to cook rice just right—whether it turns out gluggy or undercooked—Wonderbag offers a simple, foolproof method. By combining slow-cooking with its innovative heat-retention technology, Wonderbag helps you achieve perfectly fluffy rice every time, making it the ideal companion for any meal,” explains Collins.

Wonderbag Rice Method

Step 1: Double the water-to-rice ratio (e.g., 1.5 cups of rice, 3 cups of water).

Step 2: Wash the rice thoroughly.

Step 3: Add coconut oil for extra flavor (this is optional)

Step 4: Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Transfer to the Wonderbag and set a timer for 40 minutes.

Step 6: The key: Fluff the rice after 40 minutes, and it’s ready to serve!

Collins concludes by saying, “This Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the combinations that make our meals, communities, and cultures richer. Wonderbag’s versatile cooking method not only honours the tradition of slow-cooked meals but also brings families together over healthy, hearty dishes.”

For more information about Wonderbag, visit https://www.wonderbagworld.com/.