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With the arrival of spring, and National Braai Day coming up on 24 September, there's going to be plenty of braaing happening. Now while most men will claim that all they need is a chop 'n dop (drink), there's something really enjoyable about braai side dishes. No matter whether you're braaing at home or on holiday in Kruger, it's all about the compliments to the braai meat.
Braai side dishes are usually quite easy to make, and they bring so much to the braai. We look at 6 top braai side dishes to enjoy with your boerie and beer.
Braaibroodjies
I'm so glad I have Afrikaans relatives who introduced me to these tasty treats. You can think of them as toasted sandwiches, but that would be missing the tasty-greatness of braaibroodjies. The braai adds so much flavour and the tomato and cheese compliments most braai meals.
Braaibroodjies are really simple to make and usually consist of cheese and tomato. For something different try making them with brie and tomato chutney.
Braaied Potato Halves
It is part of South African braai tradition to put your potatoes in foil and then put them on the coals to cook, but another option is too pre-boil your potatoes in their skins. Slice them in half and then season with herbs and give them a good glug of olive oil. Finally put them on the grill to brown, turning them regularly.
Warm vegetable salad
Traditional fresh lettuce and tomato salad can be nice, but why not try something a little different. Steam snap peas, green beans, courgettes, baby peas, and asparagus. Serve with a good helping of feta, and a salad dressing made of: olive oil, fresh chilli, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
Vegetarian Sosatie
Sosaties are great and take very little effort. Usually they are made with meat, but are also tasty using just vegetables. You can buy sosatie sticks from most supermarkets, then choose your vegetables and place them onto the stick. It's best to use quick cooking foods such as onions, mushrooms, pattypan, red pepper, mushrooms, corn on the cob, baby marrows, and tomatoes. For a twist why not marinade the vegetables in a chutney and wine sauce before placing it on the grill.
Potato Bake
Another good option, although maybe not for the weight-line, is a potato bake. Sliced potatoes, caramelised onions, cream, butter and cheese, all baked together until golden brown. It's a great addition to any braai table and is incredibly tasty.
Roosterkoek
Roosterkoek work really well with most braai food, or on their own with some home-made jam. You can buy ready-made dough from most supermarkets if you want a quicker option; otherwise the recipe is very simple. Simply mix flour (300g), salt and yeast (10ml) together and gradually add lukewarm water (200ml) until the dough is not too stiff or soft. Then knead the dough for around 5 minutes before leaving it to rise.
In order to make sure the roosterkoek cooks evenly, spread the coals out. You want an average heat to cook the rolls. Turn them regularly and make sure they don't stick to the grid.
Enjoy
Whatever side dishes you decide to make, we hope you have a great spring and enjoy celebrating South Africa's rich and unique heritage on Heritage Day, 24 September. Take some time to relax and enjoy the start of spring. After a long, cold winter I'm sure we're all ready for an excuse to light the braai, and enjoy quality time with good friends.
What are your favourite braai side-dishes? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or get in touch via our Contact Page.
