Have you ever been to a restaurant and listened to those around the table suddenly debating whether to order starters OR dessert? Where the heck did ‘or’ come into the equation? Surely a gourmet meal requires all the trimmings, including a fancy starter, delicious side, and glorious dessert? After all, there’s no washing up, and someone else is tidying up the kitchen! As self-respecting Saffas, may we never sink to such low levels of food appreciation!

Thankfully, there’s no such debate when it comes to a traditional South African braai because a gourmet braai is considered the proverbial ‘full monty.’ Think along the lines of chips & dip, tantalizing main, tasty sides, and numerous indulgent, mouth-watering South African desserts. Yum!

South African braai

Why a South African braai with all the trimmings is good for you

The South African BBQ (sorry braai) is the preferred way for Saffas to relax and unwind after a long week. What better way to share sumptuous foods while surrounded by family and friends, standing under the hot African sun?

Apparently, eating in a social setting such as a South African braai is also extremely good for your mental health. But don’t take the FinGlobal word for it; if you don’t believe us, chat to the guys at the Oxford University based in the UK – research has shown that people who eat together are happier and more content with their lives. We love their references to feasting and breaking bread; after all, isn’t that what South African food is all about?

So, there you have it, a braai has actual medicinal properties! Okay, maybe we won’t go so far as that, but you understand the point we are trying to make.

Braai sides and dessert

As a true Saffa, you naturally search for fresh braai ideas to keep your braais interesting. That’s where the team at FinGlobal comes in with some of the best ever braai sides known to man (or woman) and a dessert fit for any sweet-toothed braai junkie. So, are you ready to fan your braai flames into a blaze of tantalizing flavour? Step this way, and allow your tastebuds to dive into three decadent recipes!

Baked potato on the coals with herb butter

What you need

• 4 large potatoes washed with skin on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to season
• 120 g butter softened
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tsp fresh chives chopped
• 2 tsp fresh tarragon chopped
• 2 slices streaky bacon

What to do

• Pierce the potato skins with a sharp paring knife or kitchen fork.
• Baste each potato generously with olive oil.
• Season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Then place them on the braai grid. The coals should be moderately hot.
• Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes, then check if they are soft using a fork to test. If they are hard, continue baking them until they are soft -this could take up to an hour.
• Next, fry the bacon until crispy, and place it on a paper towel to drain once cooked. Then, using a sharp knife, roughly dice the bacon.
• Mix all the herbs into the softened butter and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Whip your cooked potatoes off the braai, slice them open, and garnish with herby butter, a dollop of sour cream (optional), and crunchy bacon bits.

Fingerlicious braaied onion and sour cream dip

What you need

• 3 large onions sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme chopped
• 2 tsp fresh chives chopped
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove crushed
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large bag of tortilla chips (or your favourite brand)

What to do

• Place the sliced onions in a cast iron pan or skillet, cover with tin foil, and braai for 25-35 minutes
• Next, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Add a pinch of salt to the creamy mixture and season with pepper; give it a quick zap with the blender to mix it evenly.
• Add the braaied onions to the mixture and zap it with the blender again.
• Toss in the chives and give the mixture one last blitz.
• Finally, scoop the mixture into a serving bowl, garnish with a dash of extra chives, and dive in with your favourite chips.

Salted caramel banana splits

• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 4 ½ tbsp double cream
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• ¼ tsp salt
• 4 bananas, skin on, sliced lengthways
• 40 g melted butter
• 1 litre vanilla ice cream
• 1 can whipped cream
• 1 tub glace cherries (optional)

What to do

• Mix the sugar and water in a small pan and place on low heat. Allow the mixture to boil for approximately 7-10 minutes.
• Next, add the double cream, stirring until it is completely dissolved.
• Add the vanilla essence and simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Remove from the heat and add a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well, and then place it on one side.
• Baste the fleshy side of the banana halves with the melted butter and then place them flesh down on the braai grid. Braai them for a quick 2-3 minutes (they don’t take long!)
• Using braai tongs, remove the bananas from the braai grid and pop them onto a serving platter to cool slightly.
• Serve with dollops of vanilla ice cream, a splotch of whipped cream, drizzled with caramel sauce, and garnished with sweet glace cherries.

Expert advice for SA expats right here at FinGlobal

FinGlobal provides professional, accredited emigration advice to expats based at home or on foreign shores. Our unique approach to emigration means our advice is tailored to suit your individual needs.

Our services include advice on pensions, tax, retirement annuities, forex, and more (including braai sides!) If you are looking for advice founded on more than ten years of experience in the industry, the FinGlobal team is the answer. Contact our friendly FinGlobal team today to discuss your bespoke immigration requirements.

To discuss your unique needs with our team, simply get in touch with us. Give us a call on +27 28 312 2764 or send us an email at info@finglobal.com, and we will assist you promptly.