Spice Up Your Festive Feasts: A Culinary Adventure with Joanna Lumley

Let BBC Studios Africa be Your Festive Co-Host this festive season, bringing you world-class inspiration to make your celebrations effortless and unforgettable. Take the lead from national treasure Joanna Lumley, who embarks on one of her most epic voyages in her the newest show, Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, on BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174 on Thursdays at 20:00.

Let BBC Studios Africa be Your Festive Co-Host this festive season, Image: Supplied

Here are 3 essential spices from Joanna’s trail that you need to try at your next braai:

Nutmeg: The Warm, Festive SecretJoanna’s journey begins in the remote Banda Islands of Indonesia, once the only source of nutmeg in the world. This warm, aromatic spice isn’t just for desserts. For your braai: A small grate of fresh nutmeg into your lamb or beef sosaties, or even into a creamy butternut side dish, adds a deep, complex warmth that is quintessentially festive. It’s the secret ingredient that says "celebration."
Vanilla: The Unexpected Savoury TwistIn Madagascar, Joanna discovers the incredible process behind the world’s second most expensive spice: vanilla. While we think of it for baking, its floral, sweet notes can work wonders in savoury dishes. For your braai: Create a stunning glaze for a festive gammon by reducing a mixture of vanilla pod seeds, orange juice, and a touch of brown sugar. It adds a unique, aromatic sweetness that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Cloves: The Aromatic PunchIn Indonesia, Joanna explores the allure of clove cigarettes, but the spice itself is a braai powerhouse. For your braai: Stud a festive leg of lamb or a gammon with whole cloves before roasting it over the coals. They infuse the meat with a potent, sweet, and slightly bitter aroma, filling the air with a scent that is pure festive magic.

Spice Up Your Festive Feasts: A Culinary Adventure with Joanna Lumley, Image: Supplied

This festive season, don’t just host—co-host with the best. Let BBC Studios Africa provide the inspiration, from globe-trotting culinary adventures to family-friendly entertainment, making your celebrations truly memorable.

Tune in for more inspiration:Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure airs Thursdays at 20:00 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174).