Today, we’d like to bring you a Halloween-inspired recipe filled with the delicious taste of true South African food. If like many people, you believe that the origins of Halloween stem from America, you are forgiven for getting it wrong. After all, they have led the way in terms of celebrating and commercialising the event for decades. Who can say they haven’t seen an American ‘feel-good’ movie without the typical Halloween scene depicting youngsters dressed in costume and going out trick or treating? And of course, with every tradition in life, there seems to be a selection of dishes attached – even in South African food. Perhaps pumpkin pie is the go-to in the US, but in SA, Mrs. Balls Chutney comes to the fore along with a great chutney mayo chicken recipe.
The reality is, with spooky roots in many Pagan, Celtic, and even Gaelic festivities, celebrating the tradition of Halloween dates back centuries. Even further than American history, sorry, guys! Cultures around the globe have always found the deliciously creepy and somewhat bizarre ritual of celebrating the dead fascinating.
With traditions and rituals passed down from generation to generation, the common theme in all cultures is bringing honour to the dead and celebrating their previous lives. And what better way to do that than with a delicious South African-inspired Halloween-themed meal? We think our chutney mayo chicken recipe is absolutely spook-a-licious!
South African Halloween
Growing up in South Africa, you may not have been exposed to the Americanised version of trick or treating, costumes, and parties, but you will have experienced some of the spookiest ghost stories known to man. Well, at least South African man!
We South Africans know that good food and ghost stories are the perfect combo as both can be shared around the glowing braai embers under the South African night sky. It’s a tradition as old as time. What a lekker way to pass the time with Oupa’s spooky stories of the headless highwayman or the hitch-hiker bride looking for her lover while seated around the smoky campfire? Feeling a little spooked and reaching for the snacks already?
It’s true; South Africans love any reason to celebrate with family and friends, and getting together at Halloween is just another lovely excuse to enjoy some incredible South African food. However, we do prefer our companions to be on this side of the pearly gates while celebrating!
With Halloween around the corner and the exciting prospect of some quality time spent with friends and family, you may be looking for the perfect spooky recipe to share around the ghostly campfire.
We have found the perfect recipe for the occasion but can’t quite decide what to call it, Chicken mayo balls or Chutney mayo balls, which came first? Who cares! These tasty chutney mayo chicken balls are stuffed with cheese, potato, chicken, and of course, Mrs. balls chutney! It’s the perfect South African Halloween treat.
Chutney mayo chicken mash balls
Take a peek at our perfectly ghostly recipe below. It’s boo-und to have your guests coming back for more!
What you need
- Seven medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 packet Knorrox chicken seasoning
- ¾ cup cooked & shredded chicken breast
- 1/3cup Mrs. Balls Chutney
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated cheese
- 2, eggs beaten
- Sunflower oil
What to do
- Place the potatoes and water into a microwave bowl and cover with clingfilm. Pierce the film to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 25 minutes. Check the potatoes are cooked with a fork.
- Using a colander, drain the remaining water from the potatoes.
- Place the cooked potato cubes into a large bowl and add the butter. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes into a smooth consistency.
- Add the parsley and half a packet of chicken seasoning to the potato mix and stir thoroughly.
- Place the potato mixture into the fridge for half an hour. This will make it easier to mould the potato into balls.
- Place the shredded chicken into a separate bowl, add the chutney, mayonnaise and the rest of the chicken seasoning. Stir thoroughly.
- Dust your hands with some flour, and with a spoon, scoop a serving of potato mixture into the palm of your hand. Using your other hand, flatten the potato mix into a pancake shape.
- Place a scoop of chicken mixture into the centre of the potato pancake shape. Then place a generous pinch of cheese on top of the chicken.
- Using both hands close the potato around the chicken and cheese, rolling it in your hands to make a ball shape. The mixture should make fifteen large balls.
- Dip each potato ball into the bowl of flour, then egg and then breadcrumb mix. You can place them into a freezer bag and freeze them for later use at this point.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop.
- When the oil is hot, place three to four balls into the oil and fry until the breadcrumb is golden brown.
- Remove and allow to cool before serving.
Garnish with extra parsley and dip into a South African chutney of your choice. These treats are the perfect snack for any Halloween gathering. Each delicious mouthful is a rich sensory experience perfect for that ghoulish feeling. As you bite into the crispy breadcrumb shell, it cracks to reveal a gooey potato, cheese, and chicken filling, Is there anyone out there? Knock three times if you want Chutney Mayo Chicken Mash Balls!
Choose FinGlobal for emigration so seamless it’s almost scary
For expert advice from accredited professionals you can trust, FinGlobal has the edge you need in the ever-evolving emigration world. At FinGlobal, we can provide financial advice, advice on retirement annuities, taxes and answer all of your emigration questions. You really can relax in the hands of our expert team.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, our licensed and professional advisors can assist South African expats with all tax and financial needs. To discuss your unique needs with our team, simply get in touch with us. Give us a call on +27 28 312 2764 or send us an email at info@finglobal.com, and we will assist you promptly.