About Braaiing and Outdoor Cooking in South Africa

In this blog post, I'll tell you something about braaiing and outdoor cooking in South Africa, and how you can join in the fun. If you're looking for a way to celebrate the December holiday season in South Africa, you can't go wrong with a braai. A braai is more than just a barbecue, it's a social and cultural tradition that brings people together around a fire to enjoy delicious grilled meat and other dishes. At OnlineBraaiShop.co.za we are passionate about braai and outdoor cooking, and we want to share that passion with our customers.

 What is a Braai?

Braai (pronounced "brye") is the Afrikaans word for "barbecue." It involves grilling meat over an open fire made of wood or charcoal. Using a Gas Braai has also become very popular and provide many new options to the art of braaiing. The purist will argue that using gas to cook doesn't count as a real braai! Common meats that are grilled during a braai include steaks, sausages, chops, chicken, and even fish. A traditional braai includes side dishes such as salads or potatoes cooked in foil on the coals.

Braai is not just a way of cooking, it's also a way of life. Braaiing is a popular social gathering in South Africa, where family and friends come together to share food, drinks, and stories. It's a way of celebrating special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or sporting events. It's also a way of expressing unity and diversity, as people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds can enjoy a braai together, transcending the boundaries that divided them during the apartheid era.

Braaiing is not limited to any season or region. You can braai all year round, in any part of South Africa. Whether you're in the city or the countryside, by the beach or in the mountains, you'll find a place to braai. You can braai at home, in public parks, or at designated braai areas. You can even braai on the road, using portable braais that fit in your car.

 How to prepare for your Braai:

 If you want to host or join a braai, there are some things you need to prepare and some etiquette you need to follow. Here are some tips to help you:

 - First of all, you need to get some good quality meat. You can buy it from your local butcher or supermarket or order it online from specialized braai shops. You can also marinate your meat beforehand with spices and sauces of your choice or buy ready-made marinades.

- Next, you need to get some wood or charcoal for your fire. You can buy them from hardware stores or petrol stations or collect them yourself if you have access to natural sources. You also need some firelighters and matches to start your fire.

- Then, you need to get some equipment for your braai. You need a grill or grid to place your meat on, and some tongs or forks to turn it over. You also need some plates, cutlery, napkins, and glasses for serving and eating your food. You can use disposable ones or bring your own reusable ones.

- Finally, you need to get some drinks and snacks for your guests. You can bring your own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, soda, or juice.

- You can also bring some chips, nuts, biltong (dried meat), or cheese for nibbling while waiting for your meat to cook.

 How to braai like a pro:

 Once you have everything ready, it's time to start your braai. Here are some steps to follow:

 - First, you need to make your fire. You can use a metal drum, a brick pit, or a built-in fireplace as your base. You then pile up your wood or charcoal in the center and light it up with your firelighters and matches. You wait until the flames die down and the coals turn red and hot.

- Next, you need to place your grill or grid over your fire and adjust its height according to the heat intensity. You then place your meat on the grill and turn it over occasionally until it's cooked to your liking. You can use a thermometer or cut into the meat to check its doneness.

- Then, you need to serve your meat with your side dishes and drinks. You can either serve it directly from the grill or transfer it to a platter. You can also add some sauces or condiments to enhance the flavor of your meat.

- Finally, you need to enjoy your braai with your guests. You can chat, laugh, sing, dance, play games, or watch TV while eating your delicious food. You can also compliment the chef (or yourself) on their (or your) braai skills.

 That's it! That's how we braai and outdoor cook in South Africa during the December holiday season. I hope this blog post has inspired you to try this amazing tradition and have some fun with your family and friends.