south africa | SimplyPlantNourished

latest posts.

Visiting Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa

This is one of the most arid sections in the Karoo and one of the most peaceful and beautiful National Parks in South Africa.

TRAVEL

Day Trip to the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Although staying in the Kruger National Park is a wonderful experience, we love taking day trips to the Park. Here is what do expect and what to see.

TRAVEL

Vegan Bobotie

Curried spiced lentil bake, served with yellow rice and chutney. This is my vegan take on the South African classic.

MAIN MEALS

Melktert Buckwheat Porridge

Rich vanilla buckwheat porridge with warming cinnamon spice. This breakfast is inspired by the classic South African dessert Melktert.

BREAKFAST

Vegan Macadamia Rusks (Beskuit)

Rich, sweet macadamia nuts, with warming spice from the cinnamon. These vegan rusks, dunked in hot coffee are a dream!

DESSERT + BAKING

Vegan Almond Rusks (Beskuit)

A traditional South African ‘biscuit’, also known as "beskuit" - made vegan friendly. Best enjoyed dunked into a cup of coffee until soft.

DESSERT + BAKING

Hi, I'm Andrea

I am the recipe developer, food stylist and photographer behind this blog, previously known as LYCHEES + LEGGINGS

I am a little bit obsessed with breakfasts, oat lattes and making granola. Most likely I am currently in my yoga outfit eating tahini by the spoonsful or drinking an oat latte while reading cookbooks.

I am very happy that you've found my little corner where I get to share my passion for

vegan & plant-based foods, wellness, health and fitness and some travel stories... simplifying a balanced lifestyle.

More about me

FEATURED RECIPES

Stovetop Matcha Granola

Miso Mushroom Wontons

Peanut Butter + Chocolate Bliss Balls

2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Raw Chocolate Brownie Bites

Strawberry, Basil and Wild Rocket Salad

Vegan Almond Rusks (Beskuit)

NEWSLETTER
+ Free E-Book

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FOODTOGRAPHY

View my delicious Food Photography portfolio here.

on my blog.

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Smashed peas (from the garden!) on toast

1 cup fresh or frozen peas
1 tbsp tahini
1/4 tsp garlic granules
a little bit of lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp parsley/ chives
1 tbsp plain (plant-based) yoghurt
White sesame seeds, to sprinkle on top
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste.
Give the peas a quick boil (or until cooked)
Drain the peas and mash all the ingredients together. Serve on a couple slices sourdough toast (ideally homemade bread). Sprinkle with the sesame seeds (and pea blossoms if you have).

#smashedpeas #veganerezepte #foodblogger #gesunderezepte #foodreels

Quick Stovetop MATCHA GRANOLA, using @soaringfreesuperfoods Matcha.
Perfect small portion and freshly made for 2 (or one generous portion) 🌱

This granola is made using:
• rolled oats
• macadamia or coconut oil
• desiccated coconut
• maple syrup or honey
• a pinch of salt
• vanilla extract
• @soaringfreesuperfoods matcha
• chia seeds

You can find the full recipe on my website. Link is in my bio.

#matcha #matchagranola #easygranola

A bit obsessed with this breakfast if I’m honest!
Homemade Matcha Granola, plain (plant-based) yogurt, blueberry chia jam and hempseeds! Absolutely delicious! I could honestly eat this everyday.

Oh and I will share the recipe for the Matcha Granola with you soon!!

P.s. Excuse the background humming sound. We have something cooking in the oven 😄

#favouritebreakfast #matchagranola #healthybreakfast

Have you ever cooked with these tiny grains, called Amaranth?
They are highly nutritious, packed with complete plant protein, fibre, iron and magnesium.
This Cinnamon Pecan Amaranth Porridge is one of my go-to Amaranth recipes.

Soak 80g raw amaranth in cold water for about 20 minutes. Drain.
Add to a pot with 200ml water and a pinch of salt.
Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover with a lid and cook for 10 -15 min. Check after 10 minutes if it’s cooked or if it needs more water.
Stir in 2-3 tbsp plain (plant-based) yogurt and 1/2- 1 tsp cinnamon. Serve with chopped pecans, a dollop of yogurt, maple syrup or honey and hempseeds.

#amaranth #veganerezepte #gesunderezepte #healthyrecipes #healthybreakfast

Creamy Cordyceps Mushroom Pasta
A wonderful dish to make for Father’s Day!

For 2 portions:

200g chestnut or portabellini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup raw cashews
1 - 2 cloves of garlic, finely sliced or diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped or sliced
2 tsp chopped, fresh chives
1 heaped tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tsp @soaringfreesuperfoods cordyceps mushroom powder
180g dried pasta of choice
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Boil the water for the pasta (don’t forget to salt the water), boil the kettle and heat a deep pan to make the sauce.
Pour boiling water over the cashews and let them soften for 10 minutes. Make sure they are covered completely with water.
Add the pasta once the water is boiling and cook according to packaging instructions. Reserve one cup of the pasta water when draining the pasta.
Pour a tablespoon olive oil into the heated pan. Add the onions and saute for about 8 minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic and the sliced mushrooms to the pan and fry for another 8 - 10 minutes or until the mushrooms are lightly caramelised and have shrunken in size.
While the mushrooms are frying drain the cashews and transfer them to a high-speed blender, along with 1/2 cup fresh water. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth.
Once the mushrooms are cooked sprinkle in the nutritional yeast and season with sea salt and black pepper.
Pour the cashew cream and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water into the mushrooms. Cook for a couple minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cordyceps mushroom powder and chives. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Next, add the cooked pasta and mix to coat all over. Add more water if so required.
Serve with additional chopped chives and black pepper.

#pastarecipe #mushroompasta #creamymushroompasta #cordyceps #cordycepsrecipes

Chapter 40:
The Birthday Cake has been replaced by these Almond Snickers Bars.

The full recipe is now available on my blog!

#healthierdessert #snickersbars #veganerezepte #foodblogger

~Chapter 40~
The Traditional Birthday Cake has been replaced.

Recipe coming soon!!

#veganerezepte #birthdaymonth #healthytreat #thisis40

Some days require something pretty in pink 🦩
Today it’s this Pink Dragonfruit Chia Pudding:

• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp plain or vanilla plant-based yogurt
• 1/2 cup nut milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
• 1/3 - 1/2 fresh dragon fruit
Blend the dragon fruit and nut milk in a high-speed blender to make a pink milk. Mix the pink milk with the yogurt, maple syrup (if using) and chia seeds. Stir well and set aside to thicken for about 20 minutes. Serve with more yogurt and fresh dragonfruit cubes.

#chia #chiaseeds #chiaseedpudding #healthybodyhealthymind

Q: What do you make if you have 1/2 can of chickpeas and a sweet tooth?
A: Healthier Cookie Dough 🍪
A delicious and little bit healthier raw cookie dough.

To make this I blended 170g chickpeas with 30g maple syrup/ honey/ date syrup (or liquid sweetener of choice), 20g almond butter, 20g ground almonds, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp mesquite powder* (optional, but recommended) and a pinch of salt if needed. Blend until a dough-like consistency. Stir in 15g dark chocolate (finely chopped). Enjoy!

* I recommend @soaringfreesuperfoods mesquite powder 🫶

#cookiedough #healthierchoices #foodreels #veganerezepte

Enjoying an afternoon snack in the afternoon sun.
A bowl of Acai & Blueberry Chia Pudding.
High in antioxidants and packed with nutrients 🫶

#chiapudding #acai #healthysnacks

GLOWING SKIN CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES for Mother’s Day’s 💛

FOR THE TRUFFLES
90g ground almonds
1 cup plant-based or Greek style yoghurt
1/2 cup cacao powder
Pinch of sea salt
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp orange zest
1/2 -1 tbsp @soaringfreesuperfoods Tremella powder
1/2 - 1 tbsp @soaringfreesuperfoods Adaptogens
50g dark chocolate (70% or higher)
1 tbsp coconut oil

FOR THE CHOCOLATE SHELL
90g dark chocolate
1 tsp coconut oil

For the truffles: Mix the yogurt, salt, cacao powder, Tremella Powder, Adaptogens powder, maple syrup and the ground almonds.
Mix until well combined.
Melt the chocolate and coconut oil and pour into the yoghurt mixture and stir well to combine.
Cover with cling film and place in the fridge for about 1 hour to thicken. *If your mixture is still too sticky to roll, simply add more ground almonds.
Once set, use a melon scoop or spoon to roll small truffles (use your hands if needed). To make the chocolate shell, heat the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in 10 second intervals. Stir until completely smooth. Dip each truffle into melted chocolate or alternatively roll them in cacao powder. Place in the freezer for about 10 minute for the chocolate to set.

#superfood #healthydesserts #chocolatetruffles

This is what I refer to as Quick Milk - an easy solution to when you are in need of (plant-based) milk.

In a high-speed blender blend 2-3 tbsp nut butter/ hemp seeds/ tahini until completely smooth 🥛 Perfect for your cereal or overnight oats!

#veganerezepte #nutbutter #nutmilk #tahini

Tropical Spirulina Smoothie 🍍
This smoothie is full of all the good stuff!

To make blend until completely smooth:
1 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
1 banana (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp @soaringfreesuperfoods hempseeds
1 tsp @soaringfreesuperfoods spirulina powder
Liquid (add to your liking) coconut milk/ almond milk/ coconut water.
1 tbsp coconut chips or coconut yogurt

#spirulina #greensmoothies #superfoods

Here is what I did today to help nourish my body and mind (whilst traveling):

Started my day with a home workout
Warm water on an empty stomach
Berry & Cacao Overnight Oats
2 litres water throughout the day
@soaringfreesuperfoods Master Energy after breakfast
Sourdough toast with cashew cream cheese and cucumber
Leftover Hummus and carrots
Exploring the local town
30 minute walk on the beach
Chia pudding afternoon snack
Roasted veg and pesto pasta for dinner
A cup of Rooibos and dark chocolate after dinner
@soaringfreesuperfoods Master Sleep an hour before bed
7 hours good sleep.

#healthybodyhealthymind #healtylifestyle #healthyliving

Feeling inspired by the delicious berry and cacao breakfasts @itsashleighcamilla_ has been posting lately 🫶

Who doesn’t love a raspberry & chocolate overnight oats.

#healthybreakfastideas #veganerezepte #gesunderezepte

Once a year.
This is how I love to eat hot cross buns.
Lightly toasted.
A generous spread of tahini.
Fresh banana slices.
A drizzle of honey (or maple syrup).
Perhaps a dusting of cinnamon.

A deliciously sticky mess.

#hotcrossbuns #foodblogger #easterrecipes

Tahini, Banana & Cinnamon Smoothie!
Nutrient dense and absolutely delicious!
Yes, my @vitamix blender is travelling everywhere with me and this is one of my go-to afternoon snacks.

TO MAKE
Blend 1 banana, 1 tbsp hempseeds (@soaringfreesuperfoods), 1 tbsp tahini, 1 tsp Tremella mushroom powder (@soaringfreesuperfoods) 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 cup macadamia milk (@buttanutt ) and ice cubes (optional) Blend until completely smooth. Add more liquid if desired. Pour into a glass and dust with cinnamon. Enjoy!

#foodblogger #gesunderezepte #smoothie #smoothierecipe #healthysmoothie

Pancakes are not only for Shrove Tuesdays.
These vegan-friendly matcha pancakes are made using @soaringfreesuperfoods matcha and are filled with vanilla (or coconut) yogurt and fresh mango pieces 👌🏻
You will want to make these as often as possible during mango season.

To make these I mixed 1 cup flour, 1 cup macadamia milk (or milk of choice), 1 tbsp sugar, a generous pinch of salt, 1 tbsp @soaringfreesuperfoods matcha powder. Whisk into a batter and ladle the batter into a hot pan. Swirl the pan to spread the batter into an even thickness circle. Fry on each side for 2-3 minutes. Add a dollop of vanilla or coconut yoghurt and a generous spoonful mango pieces. Fold and repeat with the rest. Dust with more matcha and sprinkle with hempseeds.

#veganerezepte #matcha #matchapancakes #healthytreat #superfood

Healthy collagen boosting hot chocolate. The special ingredient is the @soaringfreesuperfoods Tremella Mushroom powder, which is known as a beauty mushroom.

To make mix 1 tsp Tremella powder, 1 tsp cacao powder, 1/2 tsp maca powder. Add a sweetener such honey or maple syrup (to preference). Pour over a bit of boiling water and stir to dissolve. Next, pour over hot or cold almond milk (or milk of choice). Mix well. Sprinkle with hempseeds and enjoy! Enjoy hot or iced.

Tremella powder, cacao powder, maca powder and hempseeds all from @soaringfreesuperfoods

#healthyhotchocolate #tremella #superfoods #gifted

Just a few of so many incredible memories from our time in Thailand.

#thailand #thailandtravel #vegantravel

Vegan food in Vietnam 🇻🇳

In my honest opinion I was really surprised by the amount and quality of vegan options in restaurants. It exceeded my expectations!
Send me a message if you want any recommendations for any of the following areas 🍜
- Sapa
- Hanoi
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Da Nang
- Trang An
- Cat Ba
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Dalat

#veganfoodvietnam #vietnamtravel

The reason I have not been posting any food content the last month…

📍 Vietnam 🇻🇳

20 seconds of some of my favourite captures from our trip in beautiful Vietnam.

So thankful for all the wonderful memories we could make 🙏🏻

#vietnam #vietnamtravel

2025, you were something special ✨
It did of course come with its downs too, but it has been an incredible year!
A lot of firsts. A lot of flights. A lot of great food. A lot of beautiful memories created for which I am so grateful 🙏🏻

Happy New Year to each of you!
Here’s to an incredible 2026 🥂

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions” - Dalai Lama

Small changes can have the biggest impact ✨

◽️Don’t let life pass you by - Take time for the things and the people you love.
◽️ Be present! Especially when you are spending time with a loved one or doing something you really love. Be present!
◽️Take time for yourself. It’s okay to take care of yourself too. Physically, mentally and emotionally. It is not selfish. It is a necessity!
◽️ Remind yourself that you are exactly where you need to be right now. It doesn’t always make sense but everything happens with a purpose. It happens the way it should.
◽️ It’s okay to not be where you thought you “should” be by now. Instead see this “slower route” as an opportunity to see and experience more along the way.
◽️It’s not too late to make the changes you need.
◽️It’s okay to follow your own path.
◽️Nutrition is fuel. The quality of fuel you give your body will determine how well your body works.
◽️ It’s okay to eat that slice of cake or to enjoy a glass of wine without any guilt.

#happiness #traveldiaries #foodie #fitnesswomen #wellness

These super easy, vegan-friendly shortbread biscuits (3 different flavours) are perfect for the festive season ✨🎄 Recipes on blog!

#veganbakingrecipes #veganchristmasfood #shortbreadcookies

Vegan Lemon Madeleines ✨
Delicate and delicious little cakes, dipped on an icing glaze and finished with lemon zest and thyme flowers.

A delightful afternoon treat!

The recipe will be on the blog soon!

#madeleines #veganbakingrecipes #foodblogger #veganerezepte #gesunderezepte #foodreels

Best Vegan Food in Cornwall 🍽️
Here is a list of some of my favourite spot for delicious vegan food:

1. @the_musselshoal delicious vegan chowder and curry. Love the vibe!
2. @lovetts_newlyn delicious brunch/lunch and a glass of wine.
3. Beautiful setting and a delicious tofu bowl @potager_garden
4. A selection of small plates @eat_silco - the Sri Lankan fritters are a must!
5. Starter, Mains and dessert. Everything was delicious @gurnardshead
6. For an easy, delicious lunch get a salad boxes and Tahini buns (7) from Sabzi Deli
7. Dahl and a beautiful view @hiddenhut
8. Crispy Tofu Burger (here without a bun) from @thefishshed_stives - One of my favourites and have been back multiple times.
9. Coffee and Toast for breakfast @gorse_cornwall bakery
10. The best vegan pasties are definitely from @annspasties (various locations)
11. Incredible vegan donuts from @sasparella_cornwall
12. Brunch @canteenecopark
13. Insanely delicious Cinnamon Focaccia from @thefilthyfocaccia

These are just a few and can find more of my favourites on my blog.

#cornwallrestaurants #veganfoodcornwall

Pure Bliss!
Rusks and Coffee… how every morning in the Bushveld should start.

Fresh air, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the taste of the dipped, sweet rusks and the peaceful #veganerezepte #foodblogger #foodreels sounds of nature.

These are my homemade Tahini Rusk 🫶 I will post the recipe for these vegan-friendly soon!

#homemaderusks #southafricanfood #peacefulmorning #veganbaking

Don’t throw away your less perfect or bruised avocados. Instead make this delicious, creamy Avocado Pasta.

Avocado
Basil
Spinach
Garlic
Cashew or almond milk
Sea salt and black pepper
Serve with your favourite pasta, garden peas lemon zest and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan alternative)

#avocado #veganerezepte #foodblogger #gesunderezepte #foodreels #gesundessen #pasta

Let’s make Tiramisu inspired Overnight Oats.
The full recipe is on my blog ✨

Enjoy!

#overnightoats #veganerezepte #foodblogger #gesunderezepte #foodreels #gesundessen #plantbased #veganrecipe #recipeblog #gesundeernährung #tiramisuovernightoats

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@simply_plant_nourished

latest posts.

Visiting Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa

Day Trip to the Kruger National Park, South Africa

Vegan Bobotie

Melktert Buckwheat Porridge

Vegan Macadamia Rusks (Beskuit)

Vegan Almond Rusks (Beskuit)

FEATURED RECIPES

Stovetop Matcha Granola

Miso Mushroom Wontons

Peanut Butter + Chocolate Bliss Balls

2 Ingredient Chocolate Mousse

Raw Chocolate Brownie Bites

Strawberry, Basil and Wild Rocket Salad

Vegan Almond Rusks (Beskuit)

NEWSLETTER + Free E-Book

FOODTOGRAPHY

on my blog.

​

NEWSLETTER
+ Free E-Book