A Braai is much more than just a barbecue in South Africa—it’s a social event and cultural tradition where friends and family gather to enjoy grilled meats and sides, often accompanied by good conversation and a cold beverage. Here are some classic South African recipes to make your Braai a flavorful success!
1. Boerewors (Farmer's Sausage)
Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made from a blend of beef, pork, and spices, and it’s a staple at any braai.
Ingredients
- 1 kg beef mince
- 500 g pork mince
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Natural sausage casings
Instructions
- Mix the meat and spices: Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, making sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Stuff the sausage: Use a sausage stuffer to fill the natural casings with the meat mixture.
- Grill the boerewors: Cook on a medium-heat grill, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 20 minutes).
Sosaties (Marinated Kebabs)
Sosaties are skewers of marinated meat (typically lamb or chicken), often flavoured with Cape Malay spices.
Ingredients
- 500 g lamb or chicken, cubed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bamboo or metal skewers
Instructions
- Marinate the meat: In a bowl, mix curry powder, garlic, apricot jam, vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the meat and marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, alternating with onion and bell pepper pieces.
- Grill the sosaties: Braai over medium heat, turning occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Lamb Chops with Braai Spice Rub
Lamb chops are a popular choice at a braai, and they’re even more delicious with a flavorful rub.
Ingredients
- 6 lamb chops
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the rub: Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Season the lamb chops: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the lamb chops. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Grill the lamb chops: Braai over high heat, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your chops well done.
Pap and Sheba (Maize Meal with Tomato Sauce)
Pap (a type of polenta) is a traditional South African side dish that pairs perfectly with braaied meat. Sheba is a spicy tomato-based sauce served over pap.
Ingredients for Pap
- 2 cups maize meal (coarse-ground cornmeal)
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Sheba
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the pap:
- Boil water and salt in a pot. Gradually add the maize meal while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick.
- Make the sheba:
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the tomatoes, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.
- Serve the sheba over the pap alongside your braaied meats.
Braai Broodjies (Grilled Sandwiches)
- Braai broodjies are grilled sandwiches filled with cheese, tomato, and onion, a perfect side or vegetarian option at any braai.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white or brown bread
- Butter for spreading
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 200 g cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Assemble the sandwiches: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the non-buttered side, layer the tomato, onion, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches on the braai, buttered side down. Grill over medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, turning once (about 3-4 minutes per side).
A Braai is all about good food and great company. These recipes will help you create the perfect South African barbecue experience!
