Popular Side Dishes for a Good Braai

Heritage Day is 2 weeks away, and for most South Africans, this means a braai. Now, we all know a braai is more than just meat on the fire. The sides are just as important and often steal the show. Every family has their own favourites, but here are the dishes you’re most likely to find around the table.

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1. Pap and Sheba

Pap:

• 2 cups maize meal

• 4 cups water

• ½ tsp salt

Boil the water with salt. Slowly stir in maize meal. Lower heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring now and then.

Sheba:

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, chopped

• Salt and pepper

Fry onion in oil until soft, add tomatoes, and simmer until saucy. Season and serve over pap.

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2. Potato Salad

• 6 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 boiled eggs, chopped

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper

Boil potatoes until tender, drain, and let cool. Mix with eggs, onion, and mayo. Season to taste.

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3. Coleslaw

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 carrot, grated

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or vinaigrette)

Mix everything together in a bowl. Chill before serving.

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4. Garlic Bread

• 1 baguette or loaf of bread

• 3 tbsp butter, softened

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped

Mix butter, garlic, and parsley. Slice bread almost through, spread with garlic butter, wrap in foil, and toast on the braai until warm.

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5. Chakalaka

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 carrot, grated

• 1 green pepper, chopped

• 1 can baked beans

• 1 tsp curry powder

Fry onion, pepper, and carrot in oil. Add curry powder and stir. Mix in baked beans and simmer for 10 minutes.

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6. Green Salad

• 2 cups lettuce

• 1 tomato, chopped

• ½ cucumber, sliced

• ½ onion, sliced

• Salad dressing of choice

Mix veggies in a bowl and drizzle with dressing.

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7. Corn on the Cob (Mielies)

• 4 mielies (corn on the cob)

• Butter and salt

Boil or grill mielies until tender. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt.

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8. Roosterkoek

• 4 cups flour

• 1 packet (10 g) instant yeast

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ½ cups warm water

Mix flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and knead until smooth. Let rise 1 hour. Shape into rolls and braai on the grid until golden and cooked through.

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9. Beetroot Salad

• 4 medium beetroots

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Salt

Boil beetroots until tender. Peel and grate. Mix with vinegar, sugar, and salt.

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10. Three-Bean Salad

• 1 can green beans

• 1 can red kidney beans

• 1 can chickpeas (or butter beans)

• ½ onion, chopped

• 3 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp oil

Drain beans and place in a bowl. Mix vinegar, sugar, oil, and onion for dressing. Pour over beans and stir well.

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At the end of the day, the braai is all about bringing people together. The meat is the star, but the sides make the meal unforgettable.