In Durban, Christmas is often marked by softer summer weather that lends itself to relaxed meals and extended time with family around the table.
Image: Pexels/Karola G
Christmas in Durban often arrives with softer summer weather that invites slower meals and time around the table.
This year, conditions point to cooler and cloudier days that suit comfort food without the heaviness usually reserved for winter.
According to Nompumelelo Kleinbooi, a meteorologist at the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the current climate pattern is shaping the season.
“If we are looking at the period between December and February and the fact that we are in a weak La Niña state, maximum or daytime temperatures over the central and eastern parts of the country are expected to be below normal or cooler and wetter than normal compared to what usually happens during this time of the year,” she said.
She added that increased cloud cover is part of the picture.
“There’s an expectation that it will also be cloudier than normal, hence the cooler-than-normal weather that is expected. Although this is the case, it doesn’t eliminate the occurrence of extremely hot conditions and the possibility of heatwaves during this summer. It’s just that they will be less frequent for this time of the year.”
A quick look at the SAWS website reflects this outlook, with daytime temperatures in Durban sitting around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius, low cloud cover and less humidity than usual.
It is the kind of weather that makes standing over a stove bearable and sitting down to a warm meal feel right.
Butter chicken fits easily into this setting. It is rich and creamy, but gentler than many traditional curries. That balance makes it comfortable to enjoy warm weather and welcoming for guests of different ages.
Durban tables are known for bold flavours, yet Christmas meals often bring together family and friends with varying spice preferences.
Butter chicken offers familiar curry notes without overwhelming heat, making it a reliable centerpiece for a shared meal.
This recipe by Denisiya Hemraj is straightforward and perfect for a relaxed festive lunch.
Indulge in Denisiya Hemraj’s creamy butter chicken recipe this Christmas Day.
Image: Supplied
Ingredients
Cube 6 - 7 chicken breasts and mix with:
½ tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp chilli flakes
2 tbsp chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin (jeera) powder
1 tsp coriander (dhania) powder
1 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
A sprig of thyme
1 cup of plain yoghurt
Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
200g butter
1 onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
4 cloves of garlic
1 sprig of curry leaves
2 tomatoes, blended
70g tomato paste
¾ cup of fresh cream, reserve ¼ cup for garnish
Method
In a wide pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves and a sprig of curry leaves. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
Add mixed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the marinated chicken and 70g tomato paste. (You can add 1 tbsp of harissa for extra spice.)
Mix well, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
Add ¾ cup of fresh cream, mix, and turn off the heat.
Serve with rice or naan, garnished with coriander and a drizzle of fresh cream.