do not stir. The reason for this is so that the flavour from the meat at the bottom can flavour all the vegetables above while slow cooking. If your potjie is made properly you should still be able to see and taste all the ingredients separately as well as a delicious whole. Little sauce or water is used, so that cooking is by steam and not boiling in a sauce like a stew; thus the heat must be very low and constant. These are some of the secrets of each cook. A potjie is a social activity, with guests generally engaging in fireside chitchat while the potjie cooks, typically three to six hours. A potjie is usually accompanied by rice or something similar, like pap. Health hazards In 1998, it was reported that potjie pots with large amounts of lead were being sold, placing users at risk of lead poisoning. See also Braai Hot pot List of African dishes List of stews Perpetual stew Potbrood Sač References External links Cooking vessels South African cuisine Stews Wild game dishes