Braaivleis (Braaivleis)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Boerewors sausage — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Beef steaks — 4 (rump or sirloin)
- Chicken pieces, bone-in — 4
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Braai spice or a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder and salt, for seasoning
Method
- Season the steaks and chicken generously with braai spice or the paprika-garlic-salt mix, and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling.
- Prepare a charcoal fire and let it burn down to glowing coals with a moderate, even heat.
- Grill the boerewors first, turning occasionally, for about 15–20 minutes until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Grill the chicken pieces for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Grill the steaks to your preferred doneness, typically 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, resting afterward for a few minutes.
- Serve all the grilled meats together on a large platter.
Introduction: A mixed grill of boerewors, steak and chicken cooked over open coals, the centrepiece of Namibia's beloved braai tradition.
Cultural Background: The braai (barbecue) is a deeply social institution across Namibia, bringing family and friends together around the fire for hours, with a mix of meats grilled slowly and shared generously among everyone present.
Tips: Let the coals burn down to a steady, even heat before grilling — too high a flame will char the outside before the inside cooks through. Space out the different meats according to their cooking times, starting with those that take longest.
Variations: Add grilled vegetables like corn or peppers alongside the meats. Marinate the chicken in advance for extra flavour.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover grilled meats in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat, or briefly on the grill, to avoid drying out.
FAQs:
Q: What is boerewors?
A: A traditional South African and Namibian spiced sausage, typically made from beef and pork with a distinctive coriander-forward seasoning.
Q: How central is the braai to Namibian culture?
A: Extremely — it's a major social occasion, often lasting hours, bringing together family and friends around the fire.
- Boerewors sausage — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Beef steaks — 4 (rump or sirloin)
- Chicken pieces, bone-in — 4
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
- Braai spice or a simple mix of paprika, garlic powder and salt, for seasoning
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