What is a Christmas Braai?
One very unique thing about a braai is that it celebrates a big holiday—Christmas! December falls during the summertime in South Africa, and hosting a braai is a big part of this celebration.
While there are a variety of foods at a braai, meats are the highlights. One particular meat is boerewors, a thick beef sausage.
Christmas Braai Ideas In South Africa
BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH BRAAI RECIPES
1. MUSHROOM ON EGGS WITH BACON AND PORK SAUSAGES
If you’re still only firing up your braai in the evening, you’re missing out. An outdoor breakfast around the braai is the perfect way to get the fam’s festive season spirit started.
This recipe is our twist on a traditional English Breakfast, and can be adapted to suit vegetarians – simply leave out the bacon and pork sausages
2. FLAVOURFUL FLAPJACKS
Many of us think of flapjacks as a treat so we tend to forgo them as a breakfast or brunch option.
But if there’s one time of the year when you can indulge in a breakfast treat, it has to be the festive season. Make them savory with ham and cheese or sweet with strawberries and cream – it’s up to you.
LUNCH BRAAI RECIPES
1. JOSHUA NA DIE REËN’S SESAME GRILLED TROUT
This one will go down especially well with fans of the SA crooner. Joshua Na Die Reën joined us a while back for our “Cooking With Friends of Megamaster” series, hosted by Leon Gropp. He shared his secrets to braaing the perfect trout, plus his signature fresh summer salad.
2. SPINACH, BACON AND FETA BRAAI BROODJIES
Braai broodies hit the spot every time. We’ve experimented a little with the usual cheese and tomato recipe by creating a spinach, bacon, and feta toastie. For vegetarians, simply opt for no bacon.
DINNER BRAAI RECIPES
1. ORANGE AND HONEY GLAZED HAM
Make this your Christmas dinner main and you’ll have happy guests all around. It’ll take around two hours to prepare and cook, so make sure you plan.
2. GRILLED AUBERGINES
Great as a starter or side dish, this Grilled aubergine dish is one of our most popular braai recipes ever! Festive season braaing naturally comes with a lot of meat on the menu, so when you need a break from all that protein, these veggies with garlic and feta will do the trick.
What is a braai in many parts of South Africa to have a braai for Christmas?
Similar to a potluck party, braais are casual and relaxed social events where families and friends converge on a picnic spot or someone’s home (normally the garden or veranda) with their meat, salad, or side dish in hand. Meats are the mainstay of the South African braai.