South African Boerewors rolls are a staple at any South African gathering, whether it’s a backyard braai or a church bazaar. In today’s recipe, we will elevate this South African classic by incorporating two iconic flavours: Monkey gland sauce and Amasi milk. Whether you’re a South African abroad craving a taste of home or an adventurous foodie looking to try something new, this guide is for you.

What makes Boerewors special?

The word “boerewors” is derived from the Afrikaans terms “boer,” meaning farmer, and “wors,” which translates to sausage. Historically, it was made by farmers using minced meat and natural casings, along with a variety of spices. Today, it’s enjoyed by South Africans everywhere and has even gained popularity internationally.

This traditional South African sausage is made from a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with spices like coriander, nutmeg, and cloves. These ingredients give it a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other sausages. It’s a staple at South African braais, and is often enjoyed in a roll similar to a hot dog bun.

Introducing Monkey Gland sauce

Don’t be fooled by the name—monkey gland sauce has nothing to do with primates! It’s a popular South African condiment made from a mix of sauces and chutneys, offering a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile.

Ingredients for Monkey Gland Sauce

• 1 chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 chillies
• ½ cup water
• 1 small can of chopped and peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup ketchup
• ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup spicy chutney (such as Mrs. Ball’s)
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Oil for frying

How to Make Monkey Gland sauce

1. Sautéing the Aromatics: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic. Deseed and finely chop the chili. Sauté these ingredients in sunflower oil over medium heat until soft.
2. Simmering the Sauce: Add tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot chutney, sugar, and red wine vinegar. Cook the mixture over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches a thicker consistency.
3. Finishing Touches: Ensure the sauce is thick and sticky before removing it from heat. This sauce can be stored in the fridge and is perfect for basting meats or adding a unique twist to your favorite dishes.

The tangy deliciousness of Amasi Slaw

Amasi, also known as maas, is a fermented milk product similar to buttermilk, commonly enjoyed in South Africa. When combined with fresh vegetables, it creates a tangy slaw that pairs perfectly with boerewors rolls.

Ingredients for Amasi Slaw

• Red and white cabbage
• Carrot
• Amasi
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• White sugar
• Salt and pepper

How to make Amasi Slaw

1. Preparing the Vegetables: Finely slice the red and white cabbage and peel and grate the carrot.
2. Mixing the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine Amasi, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and white sugar. Mix well.
3. Combining and Seasoning: Toss the sliced cabbage and grated carrot with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Building the perfect Boerewors roll

With all components ready, it’s time to assemble your boerewors roll.

Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Grill the Boerewors: Cook the boerewors on a barbecue or braai for 4-5 minutes per side. Baste with monkey gland sauce while cooking.
2. Prepare the rolls: Slice hot dog rolls nearly through and place a piece of boerewors inside each roll.
3. Add the sauce and Slaw: Drizzle with additional monkey gland sauce and top with a generous helping of amasi slaw.
4. Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious boerewors roll while it’s hot.

Pairing South African Boerewors rolls with local beverages

To elevate your boerewors roll experience, consider pairing it with some traditional South African beverages.

Popular Choices

• Rooibos iced tea: A caffeine-free herbal tea that’s refreshing and complements the flavors of the boerewors roll.
• Castle Lager: A popular South African beer that pairs well with the rich flavors of the sausage and sauce.
• Amarula cream liqueur: For dessert, enjoy a glass of Amarula over ice, a creamy liqueur made from marula fruit.

Bringing South African traditions to your kitchen with Boerewors

For South Africans living abroad, recreating traditional dishes like boerewors rolls is a way to stay connected to home. Even if you’ve never tried these flavors before, they’re easy to make and sure to impress.

Boerewors rolls with monkey gland sauce and amasi slaw are a quintessential South African dish that combines rich, savory flavors with fresh, tangy notes. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and offer a taste of South African culture no matter where you are in the world.

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