Are you prepared to elevate your braai skills to new heights? We’re here to show you how to create a Boerewors Braai Pie that will leave your taste buds dancing! This beloved South African dish combines the savory flavors of boerewors with the crispy, golden goodness of puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting a weekend braai or looking for a unique recipe to impress your friends, this guide has you covered.
What is a Boerewors braai pie?
A Boerewors Braai Pie is a delectable South African dish that combines boerewors (a traditional sausage) with puff pastry and a variety of flavorful ingredients. It is usually grilled on a braai, imparting a smoky, charred flavor that makes it incredibly tempting. This dish is perfect for those who love hearty, meaty flavors and enjoy experimenting with different recipes made with puff pastry.
The origins of Boerewors
Boerewors, meaning “farmer’s sausage” in Afrikaans, is a key component of South African culinary traditions.It’s made from coarsely ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. Boerewors is traditionally cooked on a braai, making it the perfect ingredient for our braai pie.
Why puff pastry?
Puff pastry adds a delightful, flaky texture to the braai pie, complementing the rich and juicy boerewors. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory pies. In this recipe, puff pastry provides the perfect vessel for our flavorful filling.
The secret ingredient : braai relish
To take your Boerewors Braai Pie to the next level, we recommend adding braai relish to the filling. This tangy and slightly spicy condiment is a popular accompaniment to boerewors on a traditional South African braai. It adds an extra layer of flavor and complements the savory notes of the sausage.
This tangy and slightly spicy relish adds depth to the dish, enhancing the taste of the boerewors and tying all the flavors together.
Recipe for braai relish
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (seeds removed and sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced and crushed)
- 1 chili pepper (chopped)
- 1 can/package (50g) tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- In a fireproof pan or potjie, heat the oil and sauté the onion and pepper until they’re tender.
- Add the garlic, chili, and paprika, and sauté for one more minute.
- Incorporate the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and apricot jam, mixing thoroughly before allowing it to simmer on medium heat.
- Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer for 15 minutes until the relish thickens.
- Serve with your favorite boerewors or use as a filling for our Boerewors Braai Pie! Enjoy the delicious flavors of South Africa in every bite.
- Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on making your very own Boerewors Braai Pie!
Step-by-step guide to making a Boerewors braai pie
Step 1 Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin cooking, ensure that you have all the required ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 rolls of puff pastry (250 g each)
- 500 g boerewors
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
- 1 jar Braai Relish homemade or store bought
- 1 egg (beaten) for brushing the pastry
Step 2 Prepare the Puff Pastry
Unroll one roll of puff pastry and place it directly on a clean braai grid. Ensure there is a 2cm margin around the edges of the pastry.This will help prevent the filling from spilling out and ensure a neat, sealed pie.
Step 3 Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the puff pastry, leaving the 2cm border untouched. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer that pairs perfectly with the boerewors.
Step 4 Cook the Boerewors
If you haven’t already cooked the boerewors, now’s the time to do so. You can either coil the sausage and cook it whole or chop it into bite-sized pieces for easier distribution. Once cooked, evenly spread the boerewors over the cheese layer on the puff pastry.
Step 5 Add the Braai Relish
Spoon the Braai Relish over the boerewors. This relish adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor of the pie.
Step 6 Cover with Puff Pastry
Take the second sheet of puff pastry and lay it over the pie. Fold the edges of the bottom layer of pastry over the top layer and press gently with a fork to seal the edges. This will help keep all the delicious fillings inside while it cooks.
Step 7 Brush with Egg
Brush the top of the pastry with the beaten egg. This will give the pie a beautiful, golden-brown finish once it’s cooked.
Step 8 Braai the Pie
Close the braai grid and braai the pie over medium coals, turning the grid regularly, for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is crispy and cooked through. The key is to ensure even cooking, so keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed.
Tips and tricks for perfecting your braai pie
For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality ingredients like premium boerewors and puff pastry. Don’t hesitate to get creative by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, and experimenting with various cheeses and spices. While braaiing, maintain medium heat to ensure the pastry cooks evenly without burning, and remember to turn the grid regularly to achieve even cooking.
Serving suggestions for your Boerewors braai pie
- Pair with tasty sides: A boerewors braai pie is delightful on its own, but even better with sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies for added freshness and balance.
- Serve with a fresh salad: For a lighter touch, pair the pie with a simple green salad of lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and tangy vinaigrette to enhance the pie’s savory flavors.
- Enjoy with a cold drink: No braai is complete without a cold drink! Whether it’s beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic option, have some refreshing choices ready to enjoy with your pie.
Boerewors: as South African braai recipe staple
Boerewors braai pie is a delicious twist on a traditional South African dish. It’s easy to prepare, versatile and perfect for any occasion. Packed with bold flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your braai repertoire. So fire up the grill, gather some friends, and enjoy this mouthwatering boerewors creation! This boerewors recipe is just one of many ways you can incorporate this beloved sausage into your braai dishes. From traditional boerewors rolls to the braai pie, there’s no limit to the delicious creations you can make with this iconic South African ingredient.
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