When the mercury's low, the need for hearty, warming slow food is high. Whether you're a keen camper, glamper, or in the midst of some inopportune load shedding (urgh...), nothing beats a truly South African potjie. Typically made in a cast iron pot (or potjie), and cooked slowly with heaps of veggies over a fire or gas hob, these divine and healthy stews are the perfect winter antidote. All you need are a few recipes in your arsenal, a glass of good wine and a little bit of patience while your potjie stews. Here are four of our favourite potjie recipes:

1. Seafood Potjie Recipe

Made with Drostdy Hof Chardonnay, this seafood potjie is filled to the brim with fish, prawns and mussels. Yum!  

2. Chicken and Mushroom Potjie Recipe

The grown up version of the classic chicken and mushroom pie, this stew is comfort food personified.  

3. Lamb Potjie Recipe

A fall-off-the-bone kind of lamb potjie, this one is a certified crowd-pleaser.  

4. Braised Oxtail Potjie Recipe

Okay, so while this is technically not a traditional potjie recipe, it is still a fantastic option for slow braised stew. Serve with herbed mash.   READ MORE: Beef Up Your Stew Trussed Beef Pot Roast Recipe 10 Food Trucks to Follow How to Survive Load Shedding 5 Outdoor Fire Pits     See more Slow Food recipes in the July 2015 Renovations issue, on sale now!