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Braaivleis (South African BBQ)
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Beef
Chicken
Dinner
Grilling
Kid-Friendly
Lamb
Lunch
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Description
More than just a BBQ, a 'braai' is a social institution in South Africa. It's about gathering around an open fire, cooking meat (and sometimes boerewors and mielies) over coals, and enjoying good company. This isn't a single recipe but a method and a selection of typical items.
Ingredients
Ingredients (suggestions):
- Boerewors: Traditional South African farmers sausage (essential!).
- Lamb Chops: Thick-cut, often marinated simply.
- Steak: Rump, sirloin, or fillet.
- Chicken pieces: Drumsticks, thighs (often marinated).
- Mielies (Corn on the cob): Boiled, then grilled over the coals with butter.
- Braai Broodjies: Sandwiches grilled over the coals (see below).
- Marinades/Seasoning: Salt, pepper, often a dry rub for meat, or a simple basting sauce for chicken.
Braai Broodjies (Braai Sandwiches):
- Thick slices of white or wholewheat bread
- Butter
- Sliced cheddar cheese
- Sliced tomato
- Sliced onion (optional)
- Mrs. Balls Chutney (essential!)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Instructions (The Braai Method):
- Start the Fire: Gather wood or charcoal. Build a fire in your braai drum or designated braai area. Allow the wood to burn down to hot coals, or the charcoal to turn grey and ash-covered – this is crucial for even heat.
- Prepare the Meat: Season your meats. For boerewors, simply coil it and place it directly on the grill. Lamb chops, steaks, and chicken can be marinated beforehand or seasoned just before grilling.
- Grill: Place the meat on the grid over the coals. The height of the grid from the coals will determine the heat intensity. Start with higher heat for searing, then move to lower heat for cooking through.
- Turn & Baste: Turn meat regularly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Baste chicken or chops with a sauce if desired. Boerewors needs careful turning to cook evenly without bursting.
- Test for Doneness: Cook meat to your preferred doneness (well done for boerewors, medium for steak, cooked through for chicken and lamb).
- Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove meat from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain juices.
- Serve with: Pap and gravy, a potato salad, green salad, and always a selection of sauces and chutneys (like Mrs. Balls!). Don't forget the Braai Broodjies!
Braai Brooidjie Instructions:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, tomato, onion (if using), and a good dollop of chutney. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Place in a hinged braai grid (to hold it together) and grill slowly over medium coals, turning frequently, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.