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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
Souper Tuesday: Italian wedding soup
There's something special about this dish, despite its apparent simplicity. And no, you don't consume this at Italian weddings. Names can be misleading: this soup has nothing whatsoever to do with weddings – not even Italian ones. The only marriage in an Italian wedding soup is between the vegetables, meatballs and pasta it contains. 'Italian wedding soup' is a translation of minestra maritata (soup marriage), but it's the sofrito, the Italian equivalent of France's mirepoix (onion, celery, carrots), that are spliced with meatballs and small pasta in a broth, that make the marriage work. So it's a rather saucy ménage à trois, rather than a conventional marriage. But, for me, the two elements that make this dish special are the tiny meatballs you make by hand, and the parmesan that brings everything together at the end. They are the factors that create an impact of flavour that is not quite there until these ingredients are added. Suddenly, everything changes. The meatballs aren't your standard frikkadel. They're small, made from about 1 teaspoon of a minced meat mixture. And they're made of both beef mince and a kind of pork mince. This can be simple minced/ground pork, or Italian sausage. I interpreted this in my own way, using a chunk of pepper salami that I happened to have in the fridge and which I shredded as finely as I could. It's bound with an egg. So my version will be peppier than most, unless you use a milder salami or other Italian sausage instead. Recipes tend to call for a mild Italian sausage. But what's wrong with a bit of extra flavour? There's also parmesan in the meatballs, as well as breadcrumbs (I used panko), parsley, garlic and oregano. Baby spinach, or escarole (a green leaf in the chicory family), is another ingredient, although I had to swap this out with another green leaf as there was none in my local shops. When you see that I used basil instead, understand please that my small-town life means I sometimes have to compromise. So just get down to Woolies or Checkers and grab some baby spinach instead. The carrier for the soup is chicken stock. You can make your own (recipe below) or use liquid stock dissolved in water. The pasta is meant to be acini de pepe (tiny pasta shaped like grape seeds, hence the name acini, plural of acino, meaning grape), though orzo (pasta resembling rice) is often substituted. I added a strip of hard old parmesan rind to the soup, though this is not usually found in traditional recipes for this broth. Regarding the pasta: here we go again, I thought, as I scanned the pasta sections of three local supermarkets: no small pasta at all. So I boxed clever: I did find some capelli d'angelo (angelhair pasta), which I chopped up. That's a first in my kitchen but it worked out really well. I loved the fine strips of this pasta in my soup bowl. Seasoning the soup with salt is important, and do it to taste. It is meant to be fairly salty, but don't go too far. Tony's Italian wedding soup (Serves 4 generously) Ingredients For the chicken stock: 1 chicken carcass, chopped up 1 large onion, roughly chopped 2 carrots, roughly chopped 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped 3 leeks, roughly chopped 4 cloves Handful of parsley, chopped 3 thyme sprigs 1 scant tsp black peppercorns 1 tsp salt 4 litres cold water Method: Add all ingredients to a large stock pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, reduce to a brisk simmer and cook for 2-3 hours until you have about 2 litres of stock. Strain into a jug or bowl and discard the solids. For the meatballs: 1 jumbo egg 250 g lean minced beef 250 g Italian sausage, very finely chopped (or minced/ground pork) 3 heaped T panko crumbs 3 heaped T finely chopped parsley 3 heaped T finely grated Parmesan 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp coarse salt 1 tsp black pepper A drop or two of olive oil for forming the meatballs For the soup: 3 T extra virgin olive oil 1 large white onion, finely chopped 3 medium carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 litres chicken stock, or dissolve 8 sachets of liquid chicken stock in 2 litres water A strip of old Parmesan rind 2 cups finely grated parmesan Salt and black pepper to taste 100 g small pasta such as acini de pepe or orzo 100 g baby spinach leaves (or about 16 basil leaves, torn) More parmesan, finely grated, to serve Method For the meatballs: In a large bowl, beat the egg lightly and add the minced beef, very finely chopped salami or other Italian sausage (or ground pork), panko crumbs, chopped parsley, finely grated parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano or other hard parmesan cheese), dried oregano and garlic, and season with salt and black pepper. Mix the mixture lightly with clean hands. Pour a drop of olive oil into your palm, rub your palms together, take up small amounts (about a teaspoonful) of the mixture and form them into balls. Put them on a plate. The mixture made exactly 40 little meatballs for me. Add olive oil to a heavy frying pan on a moderate heat. Fry the meatballs in batches on all sides, for 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Shake the pan to keep rolling them around. Drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper. For the soup: Chop the onion, carrots and celery and cook gently in olive oil, stirring now and then, for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chopped garlic, season with salt and black pepper, and cook gently for a minute or two more. Add the chicken stock and parmesan rind to the soup, bring it to a simmer, and cook gently for about 10 minutes. Stir in the 2 cups finely grated parmesan. Add the pasta and cook gently until just tender (al dente). Turn off the heat. Add the baby spinach leaves to wilt in the soup immediately before serving. Or tear basil leaves into small pieces and stir into the soup. Serve in wide bowls (to show off the meatballs and other small bits and pieces) sprinkled with finely grated Parmesan. DM
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
SA practising damaging politics of the zero-sum game
While there are many prisms through which you can attempt to understand our politics, one may be to examine whether people see the entire process as a zero-sum game. There may now be mounting evidence that more politicians and voters believe every single issue must be reduced to winners and losers. Anyone with much experience of life will be aware that, as a general rule, when life improves for one person, it often improves for another. This happens in an economy all the time. It is well known that one restaurant in one city block might be popular enough to bring in a certain number of customers. But a group of competing restaurants in the same place are much more likely to bring in a much bigger number. In other words, you are more likely to be successful through sharing space with other restaurants. Growing an economy might well rest on this. One cannot just make a product and sell it on your own. You need to be part of a chain that enables your market and ensures you have both suppliers to help you make your product, and customers to buy it. People who are thinking over the longer term will often make decisions that will cost them in the short run, because they expect to gain in the longer run. Last week, Moneyweb reported that some suppliers to Pick n Pay were actually giving it goods at lower than usual prices. While this costs them in the short run, they don't want a situation where Checkers becomes so dominant they only have one person to sell to. This means that they are helping someone to regain market share. In the case of South Africa, with its incredibly diverse constituencies, and defined by its inequality, the idea of people helping one another might well be more important than in many other places. Winners and losers The nature of our economy requires everyone to be working in the same direction. Instead, what we have is people simply fighting really hard not to be the losers, and others not the winners. Currently, 50 proposals to change the Labour Relations Act are going through Nedlac. While labour analyst Andrew Levy says it's not clear if they really change the balance between workers and managers, several groups and unions have already held a protest against the proposals. They believe that their members might soon lose out, and managers might win. This kind of situation happens all the time in our society. In our politics, the coalition sometimes appears to be reduced to fights between the ANC and the DA that are literally about ensuring one wins and the other loses. Because this is all happening in public, and they are representing constituencies, it can give the impression that those constituencies are really fighting to ensure they are not seen to lose. This transactional approach, and the damage it can cause, is wonderfully, and horrifically, illustrated by the Trump administration's approach to trade. One of the most important dynamics of the past 30 years has been the rise of China as a manufacturer of trade goods. It has made these goods at a cheaper price than many other places, and sold them. This has exported deflation around the world – the price of a cheap bicycle has declined dramatically in real terms since the 1980s. This is largely because companies in different countries have traded with each other. And both parties have become very rich doing so. Trump appears to believe that if one country is getting rich, the other must be losing out. The overwhelming evidence is that this is not the case. Instead, both parties win through these transactions. In some ways, such is the impact of the US, that this example might well be having an impact on our politics. At the same time, another important aspect of how life really works is being lost. In many cases, there is no clear 'winner' and clear 'loser'. Often it is entirely grey, with very little difference in shade. The NHI stand-off In our politics now, it seems that everything must become a life and death situation, that there will be armageddon if someone does not get what they want. Given our inequality, this can sometimes appear as if it is a life-and-death struggle between classes. The NHI might be a useful example: those who support it say the rich are trying to condemn the poor to death, those who oppose it say the rich will lose everything they have. Instead, this is something that should really be negotiated between representatives of constituencies. And there should be a solution that everyone can live with. There are many reasons why we are in this situation. Our racialised inequality must be an important reason. Those who are poor have everything to gain and nothing to lose, while those who are rich have everything to lose and nothing to gain. But this may also be the result of deliberate political strategy. Just as politicians have created abortion as a political issue in the US, by forcing people to take a position, so our leaders often do the same. Both the ANC and the DA benefit from continuing the fight around the NHI. They both get to demonstrate to their constituencies that they are fighting for them. And because the struggle for voters is now so difficult and so intense, the stakes rise each time, and so it is more likely that politicians will behave in this way. All of this feeds an artificial intensity in our politics.
Time Out
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Move over Labubu, Labokbok is here to tackle your heart
In a move that combines national pride, peak cuteness, and a cheeky nod to the global Labubu craze, Checkers has launched Labokbok, a tiny plush Springbok toy designed to clip onto your bag, backpack, or car keys. And South Africans are already obsessed. Sporting the green and gold and a wide-eyed charm that would melt even the most hardened All Blacks fan, Labokbok is part mascot, part fashion accessory, and full-on rugby fever dream. Designed to support the South African national rugby team, this plushie lets you carry a bit of Bokke pride wherever you go, whether you're heading to the stadium or just popping to the shops. Labokbok's design feels like a clever play on Labubu, the wildly popular collectable creature that's become a viral obsession among collectors and Gen Z alike. But where Labubu is a bit mischievous and monstrous, Labokbok is pure Springbok sweetness, complete with a fuzzy mane, soft ears, and tiny hooves ready to tackle the nation's hearts. Checkers has been on a roll lately when it comes to capturing the zeitgeist, from snappy TikTok content to clever limited-edition drops. With the Rugby Championship and World Cup qualifiers heating up, Labokbok arrives at just the right moment to stir up supporter spirit. More than just a novelty, Labokbok is a playful expression of something much bigger: South Africa's unmatched ability to remix trends with heart, humour, and homegrown flair. It's a reminder that creativity isn't limited to the art world or ad agencies; it's alive in everyday things like a supermarket toy that captures the national mood with uncanny timing. Whether you're a die-hard rugby fan, a plushie enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a great conversation starter hanging off your tote bag, Labokbok might be the most South African thing you can buy right now. Let the games begin, and don't forget to bring your Labokbok along for the ride. If adorable plushies are your thing, here's: Where to find a Labubu in Joburg and A guide to the Blind Box craze in South Africa
Axios
16-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
From intern to boss: New Checkers president ushers team into a new era
The Charlotte Checkers have entered their Shawn Lynch era. Why it matters: Lynch, appointed team president in June, has risen through the organization's ranks since starting as an intern in 2003. Now he's at the helm of one of Charlotte's most successful sports teams. Catch up quick: The Checkers wrapped up their season in June with their second trip to the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Finals. They fell short to the Abbotsford Canucks, but Charlotte rallied behind them and set attendance records in the process. Then, longtime team president Tera Black transitioned to an advisory role after 19 seasons. Lynch most recently served as the team's senior vice president before his latest promotion. State of play: The Checkers have proven successful both on the ice and on the business side. Most of their corporate deals have two-to-three years left on their contracts, Lynch says. The team's staff is growing, too. They recently added four more people to their sales team. By the numbers: Season tickets are up from roughly 1,500 to about 1,600 for the upcoming season, Lynch tells Axios. Their average regular season attendance was 6,976. The intrigue: The Checkers' affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) ended in 2020 on sour terms. "They're a part of our history," Lynch said of their relationship with the Hurricanes. "But at this point, I would say that relationship is historic. It's not our future." The Checkers have since been the affiliate of the Florida Panthers. The Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. "They are the gold standard as an NHL partner," Lynch said of the Panthers. Zoom out: Zawyer Sports + Entertainment bought the Checkers in July 2024. The Florida-based organization owns several teams, including the Greensboro Gargoyles. The ECHL team is an affiliate of the Hurricanes. What we're watching: Zawyer Sports + Entertainment owner and CEO Andy Kaufmann wants to own a hockey facility. There isn't a timeline for when that facility would be built or where it would go, but it is a priority for the team. The Checkers currently practice at Bojangles Coliseum, where they play their home games, and at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail. There's a limited amount of ice open to the public. Owning their own facility would allow the Checkers to grow their Junior Checkers brand and introduce more people to the sport. "I think that's the best way for us to grow the sport of hockey," Lynch says of a standalone Checkers facility. The facility is a "very high priority," he says. What's next: A deep run in the playoffs means a shorter offseason for the Checkers, who return to the ice in Charlotte on Oct. 17 vs. the Iowa Wild.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
How to be financially healthier with Vitality Money
Vitality Money is not about measuring how much money you make, but how you use what you have. We all have money habits that we'd rather not look at too closely. But avoiding them just keeps you stuck in the same cycle. With Vitality Money, Discovery Bank's behaviour-change programme, you get real insights to manage your money well – and you get rewarded for your improved money habits. Fitness tracker for your money Vitality Money is not about measuring how much money you make, but how you use what you have. Powered by AI, smart data and behavioural insights, Vitality Money helps you track and improve six financial behaviours that make up your financial health. These financial behaviours are represented as six visual rings. Think of them like fitness rings on a smartwatch, but in this case, strengthening your financial muscle. The more rings you close, the higher your Vitality Money status and the more Vitality Money rewards you unlock, such as higher interest rates on savings, lower bank fees, up to 1% off the interest rate on a home loan, and a variety of shopping, lifestyle and travel rewards. The six rings are: Plan ring – Are you gaining financial knowledge, using budgeting tools and getting expert financial advice? Savings ring – Are you saving to have emergency funds? Debt ring – Are you managing your short-term debt to not rely on loans and credit? Insurance ring – Do you have adequate life, medical and short-term insurance cover? Retirement ring – Are your retirement contributions on track? Property ring – Are you paying off your home loan or growing long-term assets to ensure your property needs are secured for retirement? Asking yourself these questions is useful to figure out where the gaps are in your financial roadmap. And with Vitality Money, you can easily track your progress in the Discovery Bank app. You don't have to tick all the boxes overnight. The rings are there to show you where you're doing well and where to improve. What closing your Vitality money rings can do With Vitality Money, you start on Blue status and move your way up to Diamond status, which gives you the maximum rewards. It starts with small steps such as paying off short-term debt or setting money aside for emergencies. Click on any of the Vitality Money rings in the Discovery Bank app, for example, the Vitality Money Plan ring for personalised suggestions. One option is completing a Worth Financial Education course, which can earn you 10 000 Vitality Money points in the first 12 months and 5 000 in the next. Staying consistent with your healthy financial habits, like managing debt and saving, is a way to make sure you get the most rewards. Get rewarded As your Vitality Money status rises, you enjoy more rewards, such as: Higher interest rates on your savings and positive balances in your transaction and credit card accounts. Reduced borrowing interest rates for your credit card or revolving credit facility. Up to 75% back on healthy items at Checkers or Woolworths. Between 10% and 75% off on local and international flights, and up to 20% back in Ðiscovery Miles on fuel spend and Uber rides. Earning Ðiscovery Miles, a rewards currency for getting healthier, driving well and spending responsibly. The Discovery Bank app also offers extra support to stay on track. When you use the Vitality Money Financial Analyser, you'll get a complete picture of your income, savings and spending habits. Financial wellbeing is more than managing day-to-day finances; it's building resilience, achieving long-term goals, and enjoying the freedom of financial security. Not a Discovery Bank client? Join Discovery Bank today!
