Braai is a mouthwatering barbequing technique using aromatic wood to roast meat. The recipe can be traced to the Dutch word braden,– meaning to roast or barbecue. Braai, the Afrikaans word from South Africa, has replaced the original word.
As such, this technique of roasting meat is practiced in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland, and Namibia. Today, we want to look at how to braai the Lesotho way.
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Although braai is generally a recipe, the name also describes a social gathering with meat roasting as part of the activities.
The most important thing when making braai is the wood fire. If you use other means, like gas, you’ll miss out on the special flavor of wood. You can get the wood fire grill on Amazon. This is ideal for indoor and outdoor use. However, it’s a good idea to use an open fire while outside.
And, did you know the person who tends to the meat on the wood is the braai master?
Let’s get started with the steps.
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How to Braai in 16 Steps
You’ll need a wood fire grill, or an open fire, and wood. You have many choices when it comes to wood to use. You can choose between applewood, camel thorn, mopani wood, and pinewood.
Additionally, you’ll need grill tongs. It’s best to get a long heat-resistant one like this one on Amazon. You’ll also need a protective hand glove to prevent the fire from damaging her hands. The best knife to cut up the meat is a sharp and study cleaver. And finally, you’ll need a fire starter and firelighter.
Anything can happen during a braai, like the fire catching something nearby. To be ready for such a situation, it’s best to have a fire extinguisher at home or nearby.
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Ingredients
- fork
- 3 kilos of beef
- Coriander seeds
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- ½ tbsp of salt to taste
- 2 tbsp of black pepper
You can also choose to buy braai sauce to save time.
Instructions
- Wash the meat and put it in a large bowl. Use the fork to make invisible holes in the meat on both sides.
- Pour drops of lemon juice on one side of the meat and leave it to marinate for 10 minutes. Turn the meat over and repeat the process on the opposite side.
- Pour a few drops of Balsamic vinegar on the meat and leave it for 10 minutes. The lemon juice and vinegar help to soften the meat.
- Add bits of salt, black pepper, curry powder, and coriander seeds to the meat and rub them thoroughly using your fingers. To get the best flavor, refrigerate and marinate the meat overnight.
- Prepare the fire using enough wood that will last to cook or roast the meat.
- For the best result, start the fire on one side of the wood grill and move the hot coals to the other side.
- Cut an onion into two and rub it on the grill to prevent the meat from sticking.
- Rub a few drops of olive oil on each piece of meat once you’re ready to put it on the grill.
- You can also rub some oil on the grill before placing the meat on it.
- Make sure the wood turns into hot coals before placing the meat on the grill.
- Leave the meat to cook until you see a liquid form at the top.
- Turn it over and only turn it again when you notice the liquid form at the top.
- Once the meat turns grey-brown, it’s ready.
- You can also stick an internal thermometer in it to check if it’s done. A well-cooked braai will read around 72°C.
- Take the meat off the grill and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve with drinks of your choice as you share stories with family or friends.
Tips for Serving Braai
- The recipe is best enjoyed in large groups. So invite friends and family over.
- Serve drinks like wine, beer, and whiskey for those over 18 who prefer alcohol. You can provide options like pineapple juice, cocktails, fruit juice, coconut water, and ginger drinks.
- Don’t turn the meat occasionally. Twice is enough to allow the juice to soak in.
- You can use pineapple juice in place of lemon juice if you prefer sweet meat.
Video Credit: Kosmeester Kortes
Kortes is passionate about cooking as an after-hours hobby, sharing the recipe on his YouTube channel.
Lesotho’s Braai
Equipment
Ingredients
- Fork
- 3 kilos of beef
- 1 tbsp Coriander seeds
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- ½ tbsp of salt to taste
- 2 tbsp of black pepper
Instructions
- Wash the meat and put it in a large bowl. Use the fork to make invisible holes in the meat on both sides.
- Pour drops of lemon juice on one side of the meat and leave it to marinate for 10 minutes. Turn the meat over and repeat the process on the opposite side.
- Pour a few drops of Balsamic vinegar on the meat and leave it for 10 minutes. The lemon juice and vinegar help to soften the meat.
- Add bits of salt, black pepper, curry powder, and coriander seeds to the meat and rub them thoroughly using your fingers. To get the best flavor, refrigerate and marinate the meat overnight.
- Prepare the fire using enough wood that will last to cook or roast the meat.
- For the best result, start the fire on one side of the wood grill and move the hot coals to the other side.
- Cut an onion into two and rub it on the grill to prevent the meat from sticking.
- Rub a few drops of olive oil on each piece of meat once you’re ready to put it on the grill.
- You can also rub some oil on the grill before placing the meat on it.
- Make sure the wood turns into hot coals before placing the meat on the grill.
- Leave the meat to cook until you see a liquid form at the top.
- Turn it over and only turn it again when you notice the liquid form at the top.
- Once the meat turns grey-brown, it’s ready.
- You can also stick an internal thermometer in it to check if it’s done. A well-cooked braai will read around 72°C.
- Take the meat off the grill and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve with drinks of your choice as you share stories with family or friends.
Video
Nutrition
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