7 Dishes to Celebrate South Africa’s National Day

To braai is a way of life in South Africa with many braai-ing several times a week. Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never actually visited SA however I have had the pleasure to live with, as well as be friends with, many South Africans during my time in Dubai

Dependent on whether you come from Afrikaans or English heritage dictates the habits and etiquettes of how to braai and what happens. For example, with Afrikaans, the ladies would be in charge of the preparation while the men would light the fire and cook the meat. If you are English the ladies take charge of the fire as well as prepare salads and sides.

Gender roles apart, braai simply means grill. Below are links to my top South African inspired dishes, which we shall be enjoying this South African National Day on the 24th September.

1. Afrikaans Potato Salad (with Onions and Boiled Eggs)
2. Baked Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese
3. Cheese Toasties (Braaibroodjies)
4. Peppered Steak
5. Bobotie
6. Mielies
7. Malva pudding

Protein is such an important part of the South African diet that braais often start off with boerewors, a large wheel of spiced sausage that is cooked on the grill first and shared while the rest of the meats are cooking. In addition, it’s typical to snack on droewors, dry sausage, and biltong, dried steak. Both generally less processed with less additives and preservatives compared their American jerky and British Pepperami counterparts.

So, whether you are South African or not, why not spark up the braai and enjoy an outdoor feast, with a few beers and friends, to celebrate the heritage of this ever changing country?