Happy Heritage Day! Hacks for the perfect family braai

Today, 24 September, is Heritage Day, and what a perfect way to celebrate the diverse traditions that make up South Africa than to light up a fire and enjoy a family braai.

We’ve rounded up our best braai hacks for a feast you and the kids will love.

Kids love skewers

There’s nothing easier to throw together or faster to braai for kids than a skewer. They’re easy to marinate and assemble in advance. Most importantly, their convenient packaging and precut, bite-sized pieces make them ideal for kids.

It’s all about timing

How well your meat is to be cooked is a matter of taste in most cases (not chicken, there is only one way of cooking chicken – until it is done) but that is not the only thing you should be concerned about when hosting a braai. While the process of cooking the meat is part of the spectacle, you should make sure not to leave your guests milling about with stomachs growling. Providing appetisers will keep things moving while your guests wait for the meal to be served.

Think beyond chops and wors

While it is a lot about meat, it isn’t all about the meat. Your side dishes matter, and not just for the guests who won’t be eating the meat either. Great side dishes to accompany your meat make a meal out of your braai and set a tone for your gathering. Whether it’s a proudly South African traditional braai and chill with chakalaka or tomato relish on pap or a more worldly food experience with a couscous salad and veg, your sides matter. Besides, you have to agree, your meat tastes so much better with something other than tomato sauce dripping off it, even in a boerie roll.

Have fun and unwind

While your sides make the meal, if you’re having a braai, the point is usually to have a relaxed meal or get together with little fuss. Keep things simple with side dishes and salads you can prepare beforehand and leave only the meat to be prepared when your guests arrive. That way you can enjoy your braai too.

Pap is nice, not necessary

Who doesn’t love a good serving of pap? It’s the traditional braai accompaniment. Aside from it being a simple and cheap but filling food to make for a crowd, pap goes well with just about anything. Most kids love pap! Even so, other alternatives work just as well. You can keep things light and healthy with salads, couscous, or an assortment of veg you can prepare on the braai. Bread rolls artisan bread and even idombolo (steamed bread) are also great with your braai and could arguably do more justice to a fish braai.

Be picky about your coal or wood

The first thing you learn when you are gearing up to host your first braai is how to make a charcoal pyramid peppered with firestarters. The next thing you learn is that this doesn’t always work. Getting a good fire going is essential, no fire, no braai, but have you considered burning something else? While just about any fire will get things cooking, the quality of your coal or wood can also change the taste of your food. Woodfire, for example, adds a delicious smoky taste to your braai and could be just what you need to set your occasion apart.

Don’t forget to spice things up

Sage is the perfect herb to bring to your braai. It goes particularly well with fatty meats. But beware, it’s a strong flavour – especially when it’s dried – so use sparingly.

Top tips

• Never leave young children unattended in the vicinity of a hot braai, and don’t let them play close by.
• Lightly brushing or spraying the food with oil works better than brushing the grate.
• To light the perfect fire, always use dry wood.
• As a general rule, turn food only once.