Braai day is around the corner and the race is on to host the biggest, baddest braai your neighbourhood has seen. But having the right tools for the job is only half the battle won. We’ve rounded up some of our top braai must-haves and even a recipe to rival all braaibroodjies! So, sit back, marvel at the crackling fire and sizzling meat, and let’s take you through our ins and outs of hosting the perfect braai. braai must-haves recipes
Top 3 TOOLS THAT ARE BRAAI Must-haves
1. BBQ cleaning brush. Get the smoky taste of last week’s braai out of your mouth. The cleaning brush makes quick work of a messy grill, letting you get back to spending time with the family and feeding those hungry bellies with scrumptious meats, veg and sides.
2. BBQ tong with acacia wood handle. Get a handle on the braai with the Eetrite BBQ Tong – the essential tool that combines sleek, polished stainless steel with a riveted acacia wood handle. The heat-resistant tongs feature a scalloped head for gripping meat and veg on the grill, ensuring perfectly grilled braai-food all around.
3. Meat Thermometer. Do you consider yourself to be a braai-master? This braai must-have measures the temperature of meat during cooking to ensure a perfectly cooked dish! From perfectly cooked chicken and roasts to the infamous medium-rare steak, this little device will help you achieve best-braaier status in no time.
The Perfect Braaibroodjie: Brie Cheese & Basil Pesto Braaibroodjies
The highlight to any braai is, without a doubt, braaibroodjies (braaied toasted sandwiches). Here is our recipe to accompany all the braai delicacies sizzling away on the day.
You’ll need
• Spring onions, chopped
• 50 ml sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 150 g brie cheese, sliced
• 100 g cheddar cheese
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 8 slices bread
• 1 tbsp basil pesto
• 100 g mayonnaise
How to
1. Mix the mayonnaise and basil pesto in a small bowl.
2. Place 4 slices of bread on a cutting board and cover with the pesto mayo spread.
3. Top with the tomato slices, cheese slices, sun-dried tomato and chopped spring onion.
4. Place the remaining 4 slices on the sandwiches and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Braai the sandwiches over low to medium-hot coals, oiled sides down.
6. Braai until golden, drizzle with the olive oil and turn the braai grid over.
7. Braai until the cheese has melted and the sandwich is golden brown on both sides.
Hosting tips
Think you’ve got the braai under control? Keep these tips in mind before you send out the final invitations!
Food
While it’s commendable to provide all the food for the braai, it’s not always economically possible or a smart way to spend your time. Rather than burning yourself out stressing about the day, delegate the responsibilities to the other guests. Who makes the best potato salad? Who makes a mean desert that is always a hit at braais? Play to your guests’ culinary talents and get everyone involved.
Seating
This braai must-have goes without saying. There is nothing quite as embarrassing as having guests turn up and not having a place to sit – cringe! Rather ask your guests to bring one camping/fold-up chair of their own.
Seasoning
Remember to never season your meat before you slap it on the fire. The salt will draw out the necessary moisture needed to help keep the meat juicy! Avoid tough meat and sprinkle some seasoning salt after the meat has been cooked or just before it’s done to ensure you have the yummiest spread on the block!