Al Dente Gourmet Catering, Avon Drive, Three Rivers, Vereeniging (2025)

03/11/2025

🍯 Honey Mustard Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Dressing

🍴 Description

Juicy golden meatballs glazed in sticky honey mustard and drizzled with creamy ranch dressing — a perfect rustic appetizer or hearty pub-style main. Sweet, tangy, savory perfection.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

500 g ground beef (or half beef + half pork)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp chopped parsley

Salt & black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Honey Mustard Glaze:

¼ cup honey

3 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Pinch of chili flakes

For the Creamy Ranch Drizzle:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried dill

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt & pepper to taste

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🔥 Instructions

1. Make Meatballs: Mix meatball ingredients, roll into balls.

2. Sear: Brown meatballs in olive oil until golden on all sides.

3. Glaze: Whisk glaze ingredients in a pan, simmer until thick and sticky. Add meatballs, toss to coat evenly.

4. Serve: Drizzle with creamy ranch and sprinkle with parsley or chives.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Right before serving, brush each meatball with a bit of warm honey — it catches the light and gives that signature Al Dente glossy finish 🤤

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03/11/2025

🍝 Crockpot Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta

🍴 Description

Juicy chicken and smoky sausage slow-cooked in a creamy pepper jack sauce, tossed with tender pasta and finished with herbs and melted cheese. Bold, rich, and irresistibly cozy — the perfect one-pot pub-style crowd-pleaser.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Base:

2 chicken breasts, cubed

200 g smoked sausage, sliced

1 tbsp butter

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup cream

1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

300 g penne or rotini pasta (cooked al dente)

½ cup mozzarella (for topping)

Fresh parsley for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Layer the Crockpot: Add chicken, sausage, butter, onion, garlic, stock, cream, and seasonings.

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2½ hours, until chicken is tender.

3. Add Cheese & Pasta: Stir in pepper jack and cooked pasta. Mix well until creamy and smooth.

4. Finish: Top with mozzarella, cover until melted. Garnish with parsley and cracked pepper.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that Al Dente pub glow, transfer a portion to a cast-iron skillet before serving, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil for 2 minutes to get that golden crust 🔥

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03/11/2025

🐟 Crispy Honey-Lime Salmon Bites with Chili Butter

🍴 Description

Bite-sized salmon pieces seared to golden perfection and glazed with honey-lime sauce, finished with a drizzle of chili butter. Bright, sticky, spicy-sweet — the perfect mix of bold flavor and pub-style comfort.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites:

500 g salmon fillet, cut into cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey

Juice & zest of 1 lime

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp garlic, minced

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Chili Butter:

3 tbsp butter

½ tsp chili flakes

½ tsp smoked paprika

Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

Chopped coriander or parsley

Lime wedges

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🔥 Instructions

1. Marinate Salmon: Combine honey, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss salmon cubes and let rest 15 min.

2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet; cook salmon until golden and glazed on all sides.

3. Make Chili Butter: Melt butter, stir in chili flakes and paprika.

4. Assemble: Drizzle chili butter over salmon bites and garnish with herbs.

5. Serve: On a rustic plate or small cast-iron pan, with lime wedges for that zesty finish.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Brush the salmon with a bit of honey right before searing — it caramelizes the surface and gives that signature Al Dente shine.

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03/11/2025

🍗 High-Protein Cottage Chicken Alfredo Bake

🍴 Description

Tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella baked together with pasta until bubbling and golden. It’s hearty, protein-packed, and irresistibly creamy — comfort food that fits the 2025 health trend without losing any soul.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 cup cottage cheese

½ cup milk

2 tbsp butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup grated Parmesan

Salt & cracked pepper to taste

Pinch of nutmeg

For the Bake:

300 g cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

½ cup mozzarella cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp parsley or basil

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🔥 Instructions

1. Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, Parmesan, garlic, butter, and seasonings until smooth.

2. Combine: Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the sauce; mix well.

3. Bake: Transfer to a cast-iron skillet or baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 190 °C / 375 °F for 20 min until golden.

4. Finish: Sprinkle herbs and serve bubbling hot.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Add a few dollops of cottage cheese on top just before baking — they’ll melt into creamy pockets that look incredible in photos 🔥

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03/11/2025

🥟 Thai Red Curry Dumpling Bake

🍴 Description

Crispy pan-fried dumplings baked in a creamy Thai red curry sauce with coconut milk, veggies, and herbs — a rich, fragrant one-pan dish that fuses Asian flavors with rustic pub-style comfort.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Base:

1 pack frozen dumplings (pork, chicken, or veggie)

1 tbsp oil

1 small onion, sliced

1 cup mixed bell peppers, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Curry Sauce:

2 tbsp Thai red curry paste

1 cup coconut milk

½ cup chicken or veggie stock

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp brown sugar

Juice of ½ lime

For Topping:

½ cup shredded mozzarella

1 tbsp chopped cilantro or basil

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🔥 Instructions

1. Brown Dumplings: Heat oil in cast-iron pan; fry dumplings until golden on one side. Remove and set aside.

2. Make Sauce: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and peppers. Stir in curry paste, coconut milk, stock, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice.

3. Assemble: Nestle dumplings back into sauce, top with cheese.

4. Bake: 190 °C (375 °F) for 15 min until bubbling and golden.

5. Finish: Sprinkle fresh herbs, serve sizzling hot.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that signature Al Dente color pop, char a few red chili slices or lime wedges and place them on top before serving — adds texture and visual balance 🔥

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03/11/2025

🍞 Creamy Pistachio & White Chocolate Bread Pudding

🍴 Description

Soft, custardy bread pudding layered with pistachio cream and white chocolate chunks, baked until golden and drizzled with honey. A rustic showstopper that smells like heaven and tastes even better.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Base:

8 slices brioche or challah bread (slightly stale)

3 eggs

2 cups milk

½ cup cream

½ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup melted butter

For the Pistachio Layer:

½ cup ground pistachios

2 tbsp pistachio paste (or blended pistachios + honey)

¼ cup white chocolate chips or chunks

For the Topping:

2 tbsp crushed pistachios

Drizzle of honey or white chocolate sauce

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).

2. Mix custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and melted butter.

3. Layer: Grease a rustic baking dish, layer bread with pistachio paste and white chocolate.

4. Pour custard: Let soak for 10 min.

5. Bake: 30–35 min until puffed and golden.

6. Finish: Drizzle honey, sprinkle pistachios, serve warm.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that signature Al Dente gloss, melt a bit of butter and honey together and brush the top just before serving — it’ll give a golden sheen and perfect your photo. ✨

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03/11/2025

🥩 Spicy Tamarind Bourbon Steak Bites with Crispy Potatoes

🍴 Description

Tender steak bites seared in a sticky tamarind bourbon glaze, served with crispy golden potatoes and fresh herbs. Sweet, smoky, tangy, and fiery — this dish owns the skillet.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Steak Bites:

600 g sirloin or rump steak, cut into cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

Salt & cracked pepper

1 tsp garlic, minced

½ tsp chili flakes

For the Tamarind Bourbon Glaze:

¼ cup bourbon

2 tbsp tamarind paste

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Crispy Potatoes:

500 g baby potatoes, halved

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper

Chopped parsley for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the Potatoes: Toss potatoes with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast at 200 °C (400 °F) for 25 min until golden and crisp.

2. Sear the Steak: Heat skillet with oil and butter. Sear steak cubes until browned. Add garlic and chili flakes; toss briefly.

3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine bourbon, tamarind, sugar, honey, soy, vinegar, and paprika. Simmer until thick and glossy.

4. Combine: Add glaze to steak bites, toss until coated and sticky.

5. Serve: Add roasted potatoes to the skillet, mix lightly, and garnish with parsley.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Add a final brush of glaze right before plating — that extra sticky sheen will catch the light perfectly under your rustic setup 🔥

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03/11/2025

🥙 Lebanese Lamb Kofta with Tahini Sauce

🍴 Description

Juicy lamb kofta skewers seasoned with warm spices, grilled to smoky perfection, and drizzled with creamy lemon-tahini sauce. It’s rustic, vibrant, and irresistibly pub-gourmet.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Kofta:

500 g ground lamb

1 small onion, grated

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp chili flakes

Salt & pepper to taste

Olive oil (for brushing)

For the Tahini Sauce:

½ cup tahini

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced

3–4 tbsp water (to thin)

Salt to taste

For Serving:

Toasted flatbread or pita

Pickled onions or fresh salad

Extra parsley for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Mix the Kofta: Combine all kofta ingredients in a bowl and shape into skewers or logs. Chill for 15 minutes to set.

2. Grill: Brush with olive oil and grill on high heat until charred and cooked through (8–10 min).

3. Make Sauce: Whisk tahini, lemon, garlic, water, and salt until smooth and creamy.

4. Serve: Arrange koftas on a rustic platter with flatbread, drizzle tahini sauce, and sprinkle parsley.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Brush the kofta lightly with olive oil and a drop of lemon juice before serving — it revives the color and adds that subtle glossy finish ✨

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03/11/2025

🥓 Sticky Apple Cider Glazed Pork Belly

🍴 Description

Crispy-edged pork belly slow-cooked until tender, glazed with a sticky apple cider reduction that’s both sweet and smoky. A rustic masterpiece that balances indulgence with a hint of freshness.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Pork Belly:

1 kg pork belly, skin scored

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

2 garlic cloves, crushed

For the Glaze:

1 cup apple cider (or apple juice)

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)

For Serving:

Roasted baby carrots or green beans

Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prep Pork Belly: Pat dry, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Roast at 180°C (350°F) for 2 hours until tender.

2. Make Glaze: In a saucepan, combine cider, sugar, honey, mustard, soy, and chili. Simmer until thickened and glossy.

3. Glaze & Finish: Brush over pork belly, roast an extra 15 minutes at 220°C (425°F) until sticky and caramelized.

4. Serve: Slice and spoon extra glaze on top, garnish with herbs and sides.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

For that perfect Al Dente shine, glaze the pork right after slicing — the warm meat absorbs the sauce and makes the surface gleam like lacquer 🔥

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26/10/2025

🦐 Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Toast Skillet

🍴 Description

Juicy shrimp coated in a sweet-savory honey garlic butter glaze, served over golden toasted bread in a sizzling skillet. Sticky, glossy, and totally irresistible — it’s rustic indulgence you can taste.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

400 g medium shrimp, peeled & deveined

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Juice of ½ lemon

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Toast Base:

1 small baguette or rustic loaf, sliced

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

Pinch of parsley or herbs

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🔥 Instructions

1. Toast Base: Butter bread slices with garlic butter and toast until golden. Arrange in a cast-iron skillet.

2. Cook Shrimp: In butter and oil, sauté garlic, then add shrimp, honey, soy sauce, and chili. Toss until glossy and caramelized.

3. Assemble: Spoon shrimp and sauce over toast slices in skillet.

4. Finish: Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle herbs, and serve hot.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Drizzle a touch of honey over the top before serving — it’ll give that signature Al Dente sticky shine under the warm lights 🔥

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26/10/2025

🥔 Loaded Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

🍴 Description

Golden roasted potatoes sliced hasselback-style, stuffed with melted cheddar and smoky bacon, drizzled with creamy ranch and sprinkled with herbs. Crispy on the outside, buttery and cheesy inside — pure rustic comfort.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or baby russets)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter, melted

Salt & cracked pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar

½ cup cooked bacon bits

¼ cup sour cream or ranch drizzle

1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley

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🔥 Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes: Slice thin slits into each potato (not all the way through).

2. Brush & Roast: Coat with olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast at 200 °C (400 °F) for 45 min until golden.

3. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle cheese and bacon into the slits; return to oven for 10 min until melted and bubbling.

4. Finish: Drizzle with sour cream or ranch and sprinkle chives over the top.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

Brush with melted garlic butter halfway through roasting — it makes the edges crispier and enhances that glossy, pub-style finish 🔥

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26/10/2025

🥩 Creamy Bourbon Steak Tips with Garlic Potato Skillet

🍴 Description

Seared steak tips smothered in a velvety bourbon-garlic cream sauce, served sizzling with crispy roasted potatoes in a cast-iron skillet. It’s hearty, rustic, and pure melt-in-your-mouth luxury.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Steak Tips:

600 g sirloin or rump steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic, minced

Salt & black pepper

¼ cup bourbon

½ cup beef stock

½ cup cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Garlic Potatoes:

500 g baby potatoes, halved

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper

Fresh parsley for garnish

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🔥 Instructions

1. Roast the Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Roast at 200 °C (400 °F) for 25 min until golden.

2. Sear the Steak: In a hot cast-iron skillet, add oil & butter. Sear steak tips until browned, about 2 min per side. Remove & set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: Add garlic to the same pan, deglaze with bourbon, then pour in stock, Dijon, cream & paprika. Simmer until thick & glossy.

4. Combine: Add steak back in, toss with roasted potatoes, coat everything in sauce.

5. Serve: Sprinkle parsley, crack some fresh pepper, and serve sizzling right in the skillet.

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🧡 Chef’s Tip

To get that signature Al Dente glaze, brush a touch of butter mixed with bourbon over the top just before serving — it’ll give a mirror-like sheen 🤤

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Al Dente Gourmet Catering

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