Recipes For When Load Shedding Strikes

South Africans are no strangers to Eskom’s infamous load-shedding schedules. In fact, we’ve become so accustomed to it, we plan around it and still find ways to keep our families fed. For many people, this isn’t always the case; it’s causing problems when it comes to preparing food. Not only is it incredibly inconvenient, but it can be costly too. Food in the fridge and freezer can go off, causing you to stock up on more food and spend more money.

While we can’t control when loadshedding strikes, we can help you plan the type of meals you can prepare when it does happen. We've put together some simple loadshedding recipes that will help you make the most of your food and keep the Eishkom blues away!

What to Eat During a Power Outage?

When the power’s out, you bring the braai out. If you thought we were going to tell you that all you could eat during a power outage was sandwiches and a packet of chips, that’s not the case! Our loadshedding recipes are so good, you could eat them even when the power is on. Check out some of our yummy loadshedding meals below or head over to What’s for Dinner and browse our wide range of loadshedding recipes.

Smokey Chicken Salad with Asian Slaw

Bringing you minimal loadshedding meal prep with delicious flavours, our smoky chicken salad with Asian slaw recipe is made with fresh ingredients and already-cooked smoked chicken. Toss it all and you have a meal in less than 20 minutes.

Rainbow Bean and Feta Buddha Bowl

Super satisfying and extremely healthy for you, this rainbow bean and feta buddha bowl recipe literally only takes 10 minutes to make; making it the easiest loadshedding recipe you’ll ever need.

Lemon Garlic Prawns on the Braai

Amazing as a snack or dinner, these lemon garlic prawns are super succulent and smoky from the braai. Serve in a salad or with some leftover savoury rice.

How to Prepare Meals When Loadshedding Strikes?

If you’re always one step ahead and have the loadshedding app on your phone or schedules printed to the fridge, it’s easy to plan and prep meals. Most of our loadshedding recipes call for easy prep and minimal ingredients, making it convenient for you to plan what meals you’re going to make. Always buy your ingredients in advance, prep them to save time and store in a container in the fridge. That way, when it’s loadshedding, you do minimal prep and simply toss it all together.

Start a Braai Before the Power Goes

Even though your electricity might be out, a braai only needs wood, charcoal, and fire to get started. Depending on the weather or if you have a covered area outside, take the braai out and get that fire going. It doesn’t take long until you’re ready to throw some meat or veggies on the grill. An easy loadshedding recipe to try is BBQ Smoked Pork Ribs. Deliciously juicy and tender, Robertsons Braai & Grill Spicy BBQ gives it that extra burst of flavour.

Make a Quick Sandwich

The best thing about sandwiches is that you can stuff it with any ingredients. This Braai Toastie recipe takes toasted sandwiches to a whole new level. The iconic South African braaibroodjie is filled with cheese, tomatoes, and sliced onions.

Leftovers Always Come in Handy for Loadshedding

Meals from the night before always come in handy when the power goes out. It just needs to be reheated on the braai and you have lunch or dinner in an easy 10 minutes.

Top Tips to Beat Loadshedding

We know that loadshedding can be a pain, but there are some smart ways that you can be one step ahead and beat the loadshedding blues.

Get A Small Gas Hob or Camping Gas Hob for Emergencies

Gas hobs are lifesavers when it comes to loadshedding. You won’t be as impacted by the power outage if you have a handy gas hob to fall back on. It may be small, but it will do the trick of saving you and your family from hunger.

Get A Solar or Rechargeable Light

Say goodbye to load shedding with solar panels. Not only does it reduce your electricity bills, it also converts the sun’s energy into electricity, helping you beat any power outage.

Keep Your Pantry Stocked with Some Basics That You Can Whip Out at Any Time

Canned food is great for times like this. They’re an easy and non-perishable form of food for when you don’t have power and require minimal effort. Stock up on canned foods, frozen foods and other pantry items like chips, chocolates and more.