Cooking with Rooibos: A Flavourful Journey into South African Tea

When you think of rooibos, your mind might jump to a steaming mug of red or green tea, enjoyed during cozy moments or as a refreshing iced tea. But did you know that rooibos isn’t just a drink – it’s an incredible ingredient in the kitchen? Both fermented (traditional red) and unfermented (green) rooibos teas have unique flavour profiles that make them perfect for enhancing dishes. Today, we’re exploring why these types of rooibos are culinary gems and how to use them to give your cooking a healthy, aromatic twist.

Fermented Rooibos vs. Unfermented Rooibos: A Quick Flavour Breakdown

Before we dive into recipes, let’s look at what makes fermented and unfermented rooibos distinct. Both types come from the same plant, Aspalathus linearis, but they’re processed differently, giving them unique flavors and characteristics.

1. Fermented Rooibos (Red Rooibos): Traditional rooibos goes through a fermentation process, which gives it a rich, warm red color and a naturally sweet, earthy flavour. The fermentation process brings out soft notes of honey and caramel, which can be a great way to add depth to both savoury and sweet dishes.
2. Unfermented Rooibos (Green Rooibos): Green rooibos is unfermented, which preserves more of its antioxidant content and gives it a lighter, more delicate taste. It has grassy, slightly nutty notes with a gentle astringency, similar to green tea but without caffeine. This makes it a fantastic choice for recipes where you want subtle flavour without overpowering other ingredients.

Why Cook with Rooibos?

Rooibos tea is loaded with antioxidants, low in tannins, and caffeine-free, making it a nutritious addition to your meals. It can bring out or complement flavours, tenderise meats, and even add a beautiful colour to your food. Plus, the earthy richness of red rooibos and the gentle freshness of green rooibos mean there’s a flavour profile for any recipe!

Simple and Delicious Ways to Use Rooibos in Cooking

Here are some easy, tasty ways to incorporate rooibos into your culinary routine, whether you’re cooking with red or green rooibos:

1. Rooibos-Infused Broth for Soups and Stews

Both red and green rooibos work wonderfully as a base for soups and stews. Brew a strong pot of rooibos tea, strain it, and use it as a replacement for water or broth.

1. Red Rooibos: Try this in hearty vegetable stews or with lentils – its natural sweetness adds depth to tomatoes, potatoes, and other root vegetables.
2. Green Rooibos: Ideal for lighter soups, like chicken or seafood soups, where you want an herbaceous hint.

2. Rooibos Marinade for Meat and Vegetables

Rooibos’ tenderizing effect makes it a perfect addition to marinades. Brew a concentrated rooibos tea and combine it with soy sauce, garlic, herbs, and a touch of honey for a balanced, flavorful marinade.

1. Red Rooibos: Works well for meats like pork, lamb, and beef, especially in slow-cooked dishes. The tea’s caramel notes pair beautifully with rich cuts.
2. Green Rooibos: Fantastic for lighter proteins like chicken or fish, especially when paired with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

3. Rooibos-Infused Grains and Pasta

Cooking grains in rooibos tea instead of water is an easy way to add subtle flavor. Quinoa, rice, couscous, or even pasta cooked in rooibos tea takes on a beautiful color and light taste.

1. Red Rooibos: Use it for heartier grains, like brown rice or quinoa, to create a cozy, earthy flavor profile that pairs well with roasted veggies or grilled meats.
2. Green Rooibos: Try it with lighter grains, such as couscous or jasmine rice, for a delicate, aromatic flavor.

4. Smoothies and Breakfast Bowls

Steeped and cooled rooibos tea is a delicious base for smoothies, especially if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option.

1. Red Rooibos: Adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness, ideal for berry smoothies or oatmeal bowls.
2. Green Rooibos: Great for green smoothies with ingredients like spinach, banana, and almond butter, adding a subtle, nutty taste.

5. Rooibos Syrup for Desserts and Dressings

Make a rooibos-infused syrup by simmering brewed tea with a bit of honey or sugar until it thickens. This syrup is versatile and can be used to sweeten dressings, drizzle over desserts, or even stir into cocktails.

1. Red Rooibos: Its natural sweetness shines in dessert syrups, perfect for topping pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream.
2. Green Rooibos: Pairs beautifully with citrus in salad dressings, adding an unexpected depth without overpowering freshness.

Quick Recipes to Get Started with Rooibos Cooking

Ready to get creative? Here are a couple of simple recipes that showcase the versatility of rooibos tea in cooking.

Rooibos-Infused Oatmeal

Warm up your morning with this easy, nutritious rooibos oatmeal.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup water
2. 1 rooibos tea bag (red or green)
3. 1/2 cup rolled oats
4. Pinch of salt
5. Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, honey, or yogurt

Instructions:

1. Boil the water and steep the rooibos tea bag for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the tea bag and bring the tea back to a simmer.
3. Add oats and salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Rooibos-Marinated Chicken

This easy marinade adds a unique, flavorful twist to grilled chicken.

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup brewed rooibos tea (red for earthiness or green for lightness)
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 tablespoon soy sauce
4. 1 clove garlic, minced
5. Salt and pepper, to taste
6. 2 chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients, then add chicken breasts. Marinate for 2 hours in the fridge.
2. Grill or bake until fully cooked, and enjoy the tender, rooibos-infused flavor!

Cooking with rooibos is an easy way to add depth and aroma to your meals. Both red and green rooibos offer unique flavours that complement a wide range of ingredients, making this South African tea a must-have in the kitchen. Whether you’re brewing a tea broth for a stew, creating a marinade, or experimenting with dessert syrups, rooibos brings out the best in every dish. Try these ideas, and enjoy a new, flavourful journey with rooibos!

You can also find a wide selection of rooibos recipes here, developed by renowned South African chef Carmen Niehaus, who is also our founder Mientjie’s twin sister.

If you are interested in bulk rooibos, or to stock our range of rooibos teas, contact us at tea@carmientea.co.za (South Africa) or charlrudman@carmientea.co.za (exports).