South Africans love to braai – when we have something to celebrate, we light fires and prepare great feasts.
Call it what you will – Shisa Nyama, Ukosa, braai, or even barbeque.
In South Africa, it’s so much more than just a method of preparing food, it’s about the gathering of good friends and loved ones.
It’s the vibe of the braai that makes it such a special occasion.
So, what better way to celebrate National Heritage Day?
Let’s unite around a fire!
Essential ingredients for National Braai Day:
- Sunshine
Many a South African will braai ‘come hail or sunshine’, but sunny weather is preferential if you envision your guests gathering around the fire instead of
around the TV inside the house.
- The Braai Master
There can be only one Braai Master, and this is typically the host.
The Alpha Male generally takes care of this, or in his absence, the Alpha Female of the house. It is considered extremely rude for anyone else to interfere, offer advice or ‘try to help’ with the braaiing process.
- Good company
What is a braai without laughter and tall stories? Few things are sadder in life than a lonesome Braai Master having to keep himself company.
- Grid
A braai can take place almost anywhere, provided you have a clean grid. Regardless of whether you braai in a fancy built-in braai, a wheelbarrow, makeshift steel drum or on a stack of bricks, make sure your grid is sturdy, height-adjustable and easy to clean.
- Wood or coals
The Alpha Male must prove his mettle by producing the fire for his braai (once again, bystanders must refrain from offering advice or help). The Braai Master may choose to use wood or charcoal, as long as it makes the perfect coals for the meat that he plans to braai. Nothing angers a Braai Master more than ‘wet wood’ that yields more smoke than heat.
- Braai tongs
The Braai Master needs a good pair of braai tongs like a Jedi needs a light sabre. One cannot expect to eat proper steak if the Braai Master is not equipped with tongs that work like a charm.
- Quality meat
Meat is the main course of any braai. Sorry for the vegetarians. Whether you’re braaiing lamb chops, steak, chicken, boerewors or ribs, it is important to use good quality meat. You don’t want your guests battling to swallow down meat that is tough and dry, do you?
- Beer
Beer and braai are synonymous. Let’s raise our glasses to the absolute perfect marriage of sizzling juicy steak washed down with ice cold beer, or, if you must, a cider. However, if you prefer something else, don’t worry – it won’t be frowned upon.
- Braaibroodjies
Affectionately known as the hero of the braai, a ‘braaibroodjie’ is a tomato, onion
and cheese sandwich, buttered on both sides, and braaied on the grill. The not-so-
secret ingredient is a thin layer of Mrs Balls chutney somewhere on the inside of your braaibroodjie.
- Pap and sauce /chakalaka
What is a braai without a good helping of mealie pap and spicy chakalaka? Sadly, many uneducated cooks opt to use a can of braai relish instead. We salute those who put the necessary love and effort into preparing a mouth-watering homemade tomato, garlic and onion sauce. Cheers to you!
