When it comes to South African culture, few things are as iconic as a “braai.” Known for grilling or cooking over coals or an open flame, the braai is a time-honored tradition that brings friends and family together. While the focus is often on the meat sizzling on the grill, the sides served alongside are just as important to complete the feast. Whether you’re looking for fresh salads, flavorful breads, or delicious sides, here are some of the best dishes to elevate your next braai.
1. Avocado Braai Salad
This refreshing salad is the perfect blend of creaminess and zest, making it a crowd-pleaser at any braai.
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients for the Dressing:
¼ cup honey
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup poppy seeds
Ingredients for the Salad:
1 red onion, sliced
6 ripe avocados, peeled and sliced
2 naartjies, broken into segments
100g caramelized pecan nuts.
Method:
1. Combine the honey, cider vinegar, and poppy seeds in a screw-top bottle to make the dressing. Shake to mix well.
2. Marinate the sliced red onion in the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Arrange the avocados, naartjies, and pecan nuts on a platter, then drizzle the marinated onions and dressing over the salad.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh, vibrant accompaniment to your braai.
Recipe courtesy of the South African Avocado Growers’ Association.
2. Sharmeen Inarman’s Cornbread
This moist, cheesy cornbread adds a rich, comforting touch to any braai table.
Ingredients:
1 can sweetcorn or 2 grated mealies
2 eggs
250g butter
250g cheddar
Chopped chillies to taste
Salt to taste
1.5 cups self-raising flour
Milk (optional)
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 170°C.
2. Mix all the ingredients into a firm batter. Add milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
3. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve warm and enjoy!
3. Siba Mtongana’s Potato Salad
A braai isn’t complete without a creamy, tangy potato salad, and Siba Mtongana’s version brings a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
1kg Jersey Royals or Cornish New potatoes
4 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ lemon (juice only)
Salad onions, finely sliced
8 pickled cucumbers, chopped
1 tbsp Nonpareille capers, drained
25g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
20g tarragon leaves, finely chopped
Method:
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Drain the potatoes, reserving 2 tbsp of the cooking liquid. Halve the potatoes and toss them in the mayonnaise mixture.
4. Once cool, stir in the remaining ingredients and season to taste.
4. Angela Day’s Biltong Garlic Scrolls
Soft, doughy scrolls filled with savory biltong and garlic are an irresistible addition to any braai spread.
Makes: 16-18
Ingredients for the Filling:
125g butter, softened
15ml chopped garlic
250ml finely grated biltong
125ml chopped parsley
Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
Ingredients for the Dough:
4 cups self-raising flour
10g sachet instant yeast
15ml sugar
10ml salt
45ml olive oil
300-400ml warm water
Method:
1. Mix the filling ingredients and set aside.
2. Combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add olive oil and warm water to form a soft dough.
3. Knead the dough, then let it rise until doubled in size.
4. Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread with the filling.
5. Roll the dough and cut into 3cm thick slices, arranging them in a greased oven pan.
6. Let the dough rise for 20-30 minutes, then bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes.
5. Microwave Volcano Mealie Bread
For a quick, flavorful bread option, this microwave mealie bread offers convenience without sacrificing taste.
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
420g tin cream-style sweetcorn
2 eggs
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 cups self-raising flour
1 cup cheddar, grated
Method:
1. Combine the sweetcorn, eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Stir in the self-raising flour.
2. Pour the batter into a 21cm silicone ring cake mold.
3. Microwave for 8 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the bread comes out clean.
4. Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and microwave for 3 minutes until melted.
Whether you’re planning a casual braai with friends or a family get-together, these sides and salads are sure to be a hit. From the refreshing avocado salad to the comforting cornbread and savory biltong scrolls, each dish brings something unique to the table.
Source: IOL News
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