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What are News24 readers cooking? These were the 10 most popular recipes in May

What are News24 readers cooking? These were the 10 most popular recipes in May

News242 days ago

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The most popular recipes in the month of May balanced warmth, indulgence, and creativity, with cheese shining as the ultimate comfort ingredient.
Highlights included garam masala prawn risotto, cheesy naan, and nostalgic Milo cookies.
These May favourites warmed bellies, sparked joy, and showed that cosy meals can still be imaginative and satisfying.
Quick, cosy and deeply satisfying, the most popular recipes of the month prove that as temperatures drop, our culinary standards do not.
Cheese was the comfort food champion and the month's MVP (or ingredient). Whether stretched across cheesy naans or melted into irresistible pairings, it gave everyone a reason to dip, tear, and savour.
From decadence to weeknight wonders and historic family soups that fortify the immune system, this May, News24 readers sought warmth and simplicity.
These 10 recipes warmed the fingers and bellies of News24 readers, lit up group chats, and reminded us that even in the cold, comforts can be creative.
Bashiera's super crispy smashed potatoes
Bashiera Parker swears that South Africans 'will never make roast potatoes any other way again', after trying this viral recipe for smashed potatoes. While the recipe seems simple, the technique to ensure ultra-crispiness requires finesse. Once you have mastered this viral recipe, it will elevate your potato roasting game to new heights.
Double chocolate Milo cookies
Rich and chewy, these biscuits pack the malty goodness of Milo and are generously studded with decadent chocolate chunks.
News24
My Nani's chicken and corn soup for the soul (and flu season)
This nutrient-packed broth uses just a handful of ingredients, including chicken bones, for a flavoursome and immune-boosting remedy.
Bashiera Parker
Jan's elevated beer-battered fish
Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen drew inspiration from the West Coast and the Abalobi app, which connects consumers directly to fishers, to create his crispy beer-battered fish. His version of fish and chips transforms a timeless classic into a Michelin worthy masterpiece.
Beer battered fish.
Garam masala, prawn, pea and Gruberg risotto
While the perfect risotto requires the patience of a saint and copious amounts of prawn broth, it's undeniably worth every minute and pour. Adding garam masala elevates this recipe, while Gruberg's sweet, nutty flavour complements the warm spices.
Kamini Pather/All Dahl'd Up
Kamini Pather's cheesy naan
This naan recipe promises cheese pulls galore with its bocconcini and Gruberg combination. Made from a no-knead, overnight yeasted dough, it's unexpectedly low effort for such indulgent results. Bonus points for versatility - stuff and fold to your heart's desire.
Chef Ollie's staanrib with salsa verde
Chef Ollie Swart brings the bold, primal flavours of Cape Town to life with this winter staple. The traditional staanrib technique, grilling lamb ribs vertically by the fire, creates smoky, crispy bites, which pair deliciously with a slather of zesty salsa verde.
Supplied/Freestyle Cooking with Chef Ollie
Roast chicken, but make it Indian-ish
Reimagining the weeknight classic, this dish is seasoned with warming spices like garam masala, turmeric, and ginger, which is ideal for cosy meals.
Roast chicken.
Kamini Pather/
Vetkoek breakfast bun
This South African fried favourite is given a breakfast twist. It is layered with eggs, savoury mince, and avocado for the ultimate start to the day.
Vetkoek breakfast bun
News24
Refined sugar-free, no-bake chocolate and peanut butter cheesecake
This guilt-free creamy dessert is made with banana, raw chocolate, and peanut butter, adding a wholesome spin on a classic cheesecake.

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Be silly, show you care about healthcare workers' mental health in your crazy socks
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Be silly, show you care about healthcare workers' mental health in your crazy socks

Friday 6 June is CrazySocks4Docs Day – and your chance to rescue the oddest pair of socks from your drawer and show you care about those who care for us: our healthcare workers, writes Lizette Rabe. 'I write this because I am a medical student typing on a small laptop in my wardrobe in the dark. Because I am sitting on the floor with my back against the wall. I write this because I cannot ask for help.' Because, she writes, if anyone should know how ill she is, she will not get a position as an intern after her studies. This is how a medical student in America described her experience of depression a couple of years ago. But it could just as well have been a South African medical student. When I quote her when speaking to students, nods of agreement of students in front of me prove they know exactly what I'm talking about. No one is allowed to realise the level of their mental suffering. And after they are placed, the worst is to come. 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According to studies, suicide rates are higher among doctors than among other groups. Suicide is even described as an 'occupational hazard' for medics. Supplied Research shows suicide ideation begins on medical campuses. The tragic incidence of suicide is also significantly higher among medical students than among other groups. A South African study found that a third of medical students experience suicide ideation and that more than 6% attempt suicide. Another study found that 30% of primary healthcare doctors suffer from moderate to severe depression – a condition 'that is unrecognised, stigmatised, and undertreated – one which can have fatal consequences'. Moral distress In 2023, another South African study found that 46.2% of doctors tested positive for burnout and 53.73% for depression. The irony is that healthcare workers work in the 'caring professions', but seemingly often do not take care of themselves. 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Legendary photographer and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard dies at 74
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News24

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Legendary photographer and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard dies at 74

Photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard has died at age 74. He received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, launched in 2000. Renowned photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard died on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. According to photographer and family spokesperson Benny Gool, he died of 'natural causes.' Lombard received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. As a photographer, Lombard captured historical moments such as 'the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country's first democratic elections in 1994,' according to a press release from Gool. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), launched in 2000. Lombard directed the festival until 2014. He was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha and moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and then an industrial photographer, later working with Murray & Roberts. Lombard married Colleen Rayson in 1970, and the couple welcomed a family. Lombard's 'political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement,' according to the press release. He would go on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. 'His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC,' says the press release. 'In 1986, legendary exiled photographer Ernest Cole, who had not held a camera for over a decade, borrowed Rashid's and turned the lens on him - a gesture of deep respect and recognition.' Jazz was another great passion of his. He served as Fine Music Radio's station manager and became the programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. After stepping away from the CTIJF, Lombard focused on digitising his archives, which his wife had previously managed. 'He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource,' reads the press release. His daughter will now continue the archival work after his death. Lombard also published the photography book Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by George Hallett, which contained his images. Lombard is survived by his wife, Colleen Lombard; his sister, Fazoe Sydow; his children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel; and his grandchildren, Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed.

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Kris Jenner's new face and the rise of the deep plane facelift

Kris Jenner is believed to have gotten the deep plane facelift from U.S. surgeon Dr Steven Levine. This lift restores natural volume to the cheeks, enhances the jawline and can cost up to R275 000. Local doctors reveal South African cosmetic enhancement trends like fat grafting and platelet-rich plasma therapy. _______________________________________________________________________ Everyone and their mother is talking about Kris Jenner's new face. The famed momager to the A-list socialite family created a world of buzz when she stepped out in Paris looking like she'd just drunk from the fountain of youth. Kris' procedure is believed to be a deep plane facelift. Locally, actor Khanyi Mbau's blepharoplasty also sparked a conversation about a major trend: the rise of natural-looking facelifts that don't scream 'surgery'. 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People confirmed that Kris underwent cosmetic enhancement from New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr Steven Levine. The youngest of the family, Kylie Jenner, also gave some insight into her breast augmentation surgery, citing Beverley Hills plastic surgeon Dr Garth Fisher as the magician behind her and many of her family's procedures. This came as a pleasant surprise from the former secretive approach Kylie took to keep her aesthetic enhancements under wraps. not kylie jenner sharing her breast implant details in tiktok comment 😭 — 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) June 3, 2025 'Surgery is an art form and any surgery can look real or look false. There are many traditional facelifts and blepharoplasties patients who will look natural or like they have not had any plastic surgery done. What is different is that they are done by talented plastic surgeons,' says Johannesburg-based aesthetic doctor Dr Reza Mia. Curious about what exactly goes in to getting this groundbreaking facial procedure? The experts have got you covered. Specifics of the deep plane facelift From pricing in South Africa to recovery time, Professor Chrysis shares some insight into the specifics of the deep plane facelift. 'In South Africa, a deep plane face and neck lift typically costs between R150 000 and R200 000, depending on surgical complexity and hospital setting. When combined with procedures like eyelid surgery, lip lifts or skin resurfacing, a full facial rejuvenation package can cost up to R275 000. 'Recovery is usually smoother than with older techniques. Initial swelling and bruising resolve within 10 to 14 days, with most patients returning to daily activities in two to three weeks. Full recovery takes a few months, with final results revealing a refreshed and natural appearance,' Professor Chrysis explains. He also highlights that in the recovery phase after surgery, doctors will put together tailored recovery plans for each patient and do non-surgical treatments like Botox, laser resurfacing and derma fillers to maintain results and enhance the look. Rising cosmetic surgery trends in South Africa Many local stars have been vocal about their cosmetic procedures, whether the decision was based on a medical need or purely for confidence. From Boity Thulo's breast reduction and Lalla Hiryama's implant removal to Sithelo Shozi and Gogo Skhotheni's Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs), local surgeons are seeing a definite rise in natural. subtle body and face rejuvenation procedures. As a growing number of South Africans view cosmetic procedures as an investment in confidence and wellbeing, some medical institutions are now offering structured payment plans to make surgery more accessible. Professor Chrysis Sofianos Professor Chrysis reveals that he is seeing these trends in women in their 30s and 50s hoping to keep a youthful and refreshed appearance without looking overdone. 'The deep plane facelift, fat grafting and regenerative treatments like Morpheus8 and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy are all in high demand among this group. These procedures offer refined, long-lasting results and can be tailored to the individual's anatomy and stage of ageing.' He continues, 'At the same time, we've seen a steady increase in male patients, particularly professionals in their 40s and 50s, seeking subtle enhancements to reduce signs of stress and fatigue while maintaining a masculine appearance.' Dr Reza echoes Professor Chrysis' findings and explains why PRP therapy is becoming so popular in Mzansi. 'The most exciting innovation we've seen in recent times is the platelets-rich evolution of platelets. It gives us an ability to give patience the universally attractive traits of healthy skin and a full head of hair at the same time we're able to make filler out of the actual blood. 'The patients don't need to rely on artificial hyaluronic acid fillers and its unfortunate side effects and we're able to then make great results, which are also stimulating the skin. It also it gives us something that could never be done before. We are able to inject into the breasts to make them bigger and more voluptuous all with the patient's own blood.'

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