Get ready to create the undisputed champion of comfort food. We’re taking three of South Africa’s most beloved culinary icons—rich and savoury boerewors, the legendary Gatsby sandwich, and the classic braaibroodjie—and merging them into one epic creation. This Boerewors Gatsby braaibroodjie is a flavour-packed, crowd-pleasing masterpiece perfect for your next casual get-together. It’s the kind of meal that creates memories, one delicious, messy bite at a time.
This recipe combines the heart of Cape Town’s iconic Gatsby, the spirit of a national braai with boerewors, and the comforting tradition of a toasted braaibroodjie.
The rich history of traditional Boerewors and the other South African culinary icons
Each of these dishes has deep roots in South African cuisine:
- Boerewors, a traditional South African sausage, originated with Dutch settlers in the 17th century. They combined their sausage-making techniques with local spices, creating its distinctive flavour.
- The Gatsby sandwich emerged in Cape Town in the 1970s as an affordable, oversized sandwich stuffed with fries and various toppings, becoming a staple of South African street food.
- The braaibroodjie, a toasted sandwich made on a braai, is a key part of South Africa’s barbecue culture. Filled with melted cheese, tomato, and onion, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish with crispy, grilled bread.
These iconic foods showcase South Africa’s rich culinary heritage and creativity. Now, let’s get cooking…
Ingredients
- 1 large Gatsby roll, lightly buttered (you can also use a baguette or hot dog buns)
- 1 coil (approximately 500g) of quality boerewors
- 4-5 large starchy potatoes (like Russet or Idaho), for making “slap chips”
- 2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 head of crisp lettuce, washed and separated
- Butter or mayonnaise, for spreading on the bread
- Cooking oil, for frying the chips
For the Sauces & Toppings (choose your favourites):
- Creamy mayonnaise
- Spicy peri-peri sauce
- Tangy atchar
- Chakalaka
- Tomato and onion smoor
Braai Broodjie recipe: building your ultimate Gatsby Braaibroodjie on the braai
Step 1: Prepare your components
Start by getting your fillings ready. If you’re making your slap chips from scratch, fry them until they are cooked through but still pale. Set them aside for a second fry just before assembly. Slice your tomatoes, wash and dry your lettuce, and mix any sauces you plan to use, like a simple peri-peri mayonnaise.
Step 2: Grilling the Boerewors
Place the boerewors coil over the direct heat section of your braai to get a good sear and that signature snappy casing. Turn it carefully to brown all sides. Once it has a nice color, move it to the indirect heat side of the grill to cook through without burning. This gentle cooking keeps the wors juicy. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. This rest is crucial for retaining all the delicious juices.
Step 3: Assembling the sandwich
Now for the fun part. Slice your loaf of bread horizontally. Lay the bottom half on a large board and start layering. Begin with a generous smear of your base sauce, followed by a layer of crisp lettuce. Arrange the sliced boerewors evenly over the lettuce, then pile on the hot, freshly fried slap chips. Add your sliced tomatoes and another drizzle of sauce—perhaps some atchar or chakalaka for an extra kick. Place the top half of the bread on.
Step 4: The final toast
Generously coat the outside of your assembled sandwich with softened butter or mayonnaise. Carefully place the entire loaf onto a hinged grid. Toast it over the gentle, indirect heat of the braai. Keep a close eye on it, turning the grid frequently to prevent the bread from burning. You are aiming for a gloriously golden, toasted exterior and a warm, gooey interior where all the flavours have melted together.
Tips for serving a crowd: Gatsby South Africa style
Hosting a big Braai Day? This recipe scales up easily.
- Prep ahead: Slice veggies, mix sauces, and even pre-fry chips hours in advance.
- Braai in batches: Cook boerewors in batches. Toast sandwiches while the wors rests.
- Serving style: Slice toasted braaibroodjie into generous portions. Serve immediately for optimal crispy bread, snappy wors and soft chips.
Ultimate South African Gatsby Braaibroodjie delight
This Boerewors Gatsby braaibroodjie is destined to become a new tradition at your gatherings. Give it a try for your next braai, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own favourite fillings and sauces. Share your creations and let us know what twists you put on this ultimate South African classic
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