The Official Braai Thread

[Chilli2]

Oven is busted in new gaff, so whilst I wait for a replacement, I'm Grilling every day.

I didn't bother with our old rental, but really enjoying a beer and my grill every evening

Sounds like fun.

Yeah - it's fun popping to the shops and deciding what to buy/drink

We will braai as often as possible over the festive season.

[Chilli2]

I work till 17h00 on Christmas eve. The plan is to make a Beef Wellington.
Will start the prep tomorrow.

[mat the expat]

Sounds like fun.

Yeah - it's fun popping to the shops and deciding what to buy/drink

We will braai as often as possible over the festive season.

1 Inch Scotch Fillet last night - sent the lady of the house out whilst I cleaned the pool. She delivered the goods!

[OomStruisbaai]

Special braai today. Chicken for 260 young fishermen competing at the u16&18 nationals.

[_Os_]

Is it only you on the braai for these 50-100 chickens Oom?

[OomStruisbaai]

Is it only you on the braai for these 50-100 chickens Oom?

No I think we are three. At least one to carry the cold beers from the freezed

[Chilli2]

I marinated chicken thighs in lemon & herb and peri peri yesterday morning.

Put them on the Weber last night.

They were amazing.

[_Os_]

Is it only you on the braai for these 50-100 chickens Oom?

No I think we are three. At least one to carry the cold beers from the freezed

What method did you use to cook so much? More than one whole chicken on rotisseries? Drum braais?

[OomStruisbaai]

Is it only you on the braai for these 50-100 chickens Oom?

No I think we are three. At least one to carry the cold beers from the freezed

What method did you use to cook so much? More than one whole chicken on rotisseries? Drum braais?

We braai in dromme. It was about 260 thighs. Cant use a fancy sauce (at home I like a sweet and spice spare sauce for chicken) only a standard sauce with lemon and aromat. The secret was to use slow coals. We used two drums to make fire and two drums for braai. Used a spade to spread the coals for the constant heat needed. It took about two hours to get it done.

[Sandstorm]

No I think we are three. At least one to carry the cold beers from the freezed

What method did you use to cook so much? More than one whole chicken on rotisseries? Drum braais?

We braai in dromme. It was about 260 thighs. Cant use a fancy sauce (at home I like a sweet and spice spare sauce for chicken) only a standard sauce with lemon and aromat. The secret was to use slow coals. We used two drums to make fire and two drums for braai. Used a spade to spread the coals for the constant heat needed. It took about two hours to get it done.

[Sards]

My wife is busy renovating most of our downstairs. After building the braai room she just carried on into the kitchen and renovated that. The bonus for me has been the casual lounge which is my spot for watching the rugby. I pulled out the braai in that room and converted it into a fireplace. At least they are still busy with it. Just got to lay the firebricks and finishing off. With the cold setting in I am looking forward to lying my weary old body on the couch with the telly on and a fire in the fireplace.

[Sards]

Well.
I happily gave up that braai for this.
It was a lot more tricky than I thought.
I was reducing the height of the opening so researched a formula to determine opening size to flue size so I could get the best draw. Last thing I wanted was smoke in the house.
In the spec sheet where you input the dimensions to get a result, there were all other calculations that came up regarding throat size, front to back dimensions, baffle, smoke chamber etc. etc.
I was completely overwhelmed.
But faced the reality that I wasn't going to just put firebricks in and light the fire.
So I drew my system on Autocad and inputted all the requirements and designed a metal fireplace. A structure that would just pop into my opening.
And prayed. And it's perfect.





Happiness in winter

[Sards]

I absolutely love a challenge. If I need to sink my teeth into something thats perfect for me.

I realised during the heavy load shedding that chip fryers were your biggest electricity expense in a restaurant....and all current fryers can not work on a generator because of the load. I discovered this in my wifes shop.
I designed a fryer that can just work off a generator.....I reduced oil and size until I had it at absolute minimum. I am cleaning up with these fryers now.
Taking the bread out of my competitors mouths. Best of all I also reduced oil usage which has also become a major expense.

[assfly]

With a few other Saffas, I've been doing some fundraising for a cancer charity. Last weekend we had our main event at a local bar, which was a quiz night and a potjie competition.

It was a huge success (we raised R50,000) and the highlight of the evening was the potjie competition. I wish I knew how to post photos on this site. But there were four teams and they made beef, lamb, rabbit and curry. It was such a lekka jol, especially with everyone coming back from voting at the High Commission. Such a good laugh and the food was incredible.

I really need to get my hands on some potjie pots to bring up here and sell. Can't get them anywhere. What would the price be for a Size 3 locally?

[Sards]

With a few other Saffas, I've been doing some fundraising for a cancer charity. Last weekend we had our main event at a local bar, which was a quiz night and a potjie competition.

It was a huge success (we raised R50,000) and the highlight of the evening was the potjie competition. I wish I knew how to post photos on this site. But there were four teams and they made beef, lamb, rabbit and curry. It was such a lekka jol, especially with everyone coming back from voting at the High Commission. Such a good laugh and the food was incredible.

I really need to get my hands on some potjie pots to bring up here and sell. Can't get them anywhere. What would the price be for a Size 3 locally?

Love it that you are involved in fund raising. It's very important to give back I believe. The more you give back, the more you receive. I know it sounds corny but it's true. You don't have to give in money terms, just facilitating is enough. Our children have grown up in very trying times. Covid has had such a negative impact on this.

And if you have passion , people with spare funds will follow you. And people that want to help in a small way too.

Peace brother.

Potjie is a very limited market. You aren't going to make money with it unless you provide more options. We as South Africans prefer to keep it simple. Like a choppie on the grill. I started a face book page years ago that is braai focused. It grows constantly. I see all new innovations on it because the focus is products instead of pics of your last braai. My wife administers it because it takes a lot of input. I have tried to palm it off before but it's a lot of work for whoever would take it over.....just needs someone with an innovative mindset

[OomStruisbaai]

With a few other Saffas, I've been doing some fundraising for a cancer charity. Last weekend we had our main event at a local bar, which was a quiz night and a potjie competition.

It was a huge success (we raised R50,000) and the highlight of the evening was the potjie competition. I wish I knew how to post photos on this site. But there were four teams and they made beef, lamb, rabbit and curry. It was such a lekka jol, especially with everyone coming back from voting at the High Commission. Such a good laugh and the food was incredible.

I really need to get my hands on some potjie pots to bring up here and sell. Can't get them anywhere. What would the price be for a Size 3 locally?

Awesome AF. Myself is involve with charity with the old agers and church. Our best fund raising is what we call Basaars. Selling pancakes, mince jaffels, curry and rice, afval and rices, rusks, books, home made chicken pies (small and big ones) , Springbok pies, clothes, books and a lot more. I don't want to get involve with the meetings and organizing and want to work. So I am the expert jaffle baker. We bake like 40 breads (9 jaflles per bread) on gas burners. That's from 7-1 on Saturdays. So 9x40xR30 = R10,000 just on jaffles. Struisbaai is a holiday town, so we do this over long weekends.

Potjies we get from Checkers. Pretty sure you will get it from your local Shoprite if you ask the manager.

[Sards]

With a few other Saffas, I've been doing some fundraising for a cancer charity. Last weekend we had our main event at a local bar, which was a quiz night and a potjie competition.

It was a huge success (we raised R50,000) and the highlight of the evening was the potjie competition. I wish I knew how to post photos on this site. But there were four teams and they made beef, lamb, rabbit and curry. It was such a lekka jol, especially with everyone coming back from voting at the High Commission. Such a good laugh and the food was incredible.

I really need to get my hands on some potjie pots to bring up here and sell. Can't get them anywhere. What would the price be for a Size 3 locally?

Awesome AF. Myself is involve with charity with the old agers and church. Our best fund raising is what we call Basaars. Selling pancakes, mince jaffels, curry and rice, afval and rices, rusks, books, home made chicken pies (small and big ones) , Springbok pies, clothes, books and a lot more. I don't want to get involve with the meetings and organizing and want to work. So I am the expert jaffle baker. We bake like 40 breads (9 jaflles per bread) on gas burners. That's from 7-1 on Saturdays. So 9x40xR30 = R10,000 just on jaffles. Struisbaai is a holiday town, so we do this over long weekends.

Potjies we get from Checkers. Pretty sure you will get it from your local Shoprite if you ask the manager.

Checkers have launched an outdoor store.....love it. Such a range of products. I get all my smoke chips there. Must say i am still experimenting with smoke chips . But the biggest issue is you get stuck on a favorite....

Would love to pick the brains of some of the " Rookers " on here.

I tried French oak barrel and its very subtle.
oak barrel just doesn't do anything for me.
Pecan .... well I just don't know what to do with it.
My favorite is Jack Daniels barrel chips........but that's mainly for burger patties , Steak ( I was pronounced the best steak braaier using this process one evening...I hang onto that accolade).

[assfly]

Cheers lads. Yes it was quite a lekka experience. I fell into it accidentally, but I quiet enjoyed it. It was quite an eye opener to see how many people know somebody who has been affected by cancer. But I did make a pledge to myself at the beginning of the year to get a bit more out of my comfort zone and try and give my time to worthy causes.

@OOm you know Shoprite closed here a couple of years ago. Kenya is a graveyard of South African businesses. Game also closed, and Builders Warehouse.

But I'll check out Shoperite and see about bringing some up.

[Sards]

Cheers lads. Yes it was quite a lekka experience. I fell into it accidentally, but I quiet enjoyed it. It was quite an eye opener to see how many people know somebody who has been affected by cancer. But I did make a pledge to myself at the beginning of the year to get a bit more out of my comfort zone and try and give my time to worthy causes.

i am not sure how your childrens school works. But here's a tip. If not done already. Speak to the headmaster , and get a feel for children in the school. You may well be directed to the Social worker , but thats where you want to be in any event. Ask about whether she has any idea how many children come to school without lunches or having had a proper meal at home. This is a very delicate matter because of the social pressures at school, but you and they may be quite surprised by the numbers . The social worker does a survey amongst the teachers , who monitor trends in the class. And then a number will form. You then , with the blessing of the headmaster , and monitored by the Social worker who forms part of the admin group , create a wattsapp group , call it what you want , but don't mention charity in any way. This wattsapp group will be advertised amongst the class wattsapp groups and you will be shocked by the response of parents wanting to assist. You calculate how many kids need to be cared for into sandwiches , drinks and fruit. Sweets shouldn't be part of this but people just cannot help themselves....and the kids do love a treat. If it works out to x amount , you know you get 9 sandwiches out of a loaf , and want to keep it to that number per contributer so its affordable for the moms. So if there are 9 kids , you know you need to get 2 moms on board per day with there being 2 breaks a day. . Bearing in mind that you need 44 moms per month for that 9 , and you don't want to put that pressure on moms too often. every second month is perfect. so your 44 moms becomes 88. This is for a number of 9 remember. Sandwiches must be wrapped as if they were made by mom at home . Handing them out is the tricky part. We have discovered that a lot of kids buy meal packs from the school daily and go fetch it from a pickup point , and thats where we direct the children to fetch their food parcels. It keeps dignity for them. No kid wants to be known as the child that receives charity.....trust me children are brutal. You will be shocked by the growth of your support group and the number of moms that will join. What we do is that the mom takes a pic of her delivery to the school each morning and posts it on the group. This does 2 things. It validifies that it is there , and if not a plan is made immediately. Also it gives the moms a sense of achievemment.

Obviously there is quite a bit of management behind the scenes but these are mainly reminders to the moms and allocation of slots.

But definitely a good option to assist closer to home. My wife initiated this and manages this at the 2 schools my kids go to.

[OomStruisbaai]

Cheers lads. Yes it was quite a lekka experience. I fell into it accidentally, but I quiet enjoyed it. It was quite an eye opener to see how many people know somebody who has been affected by cancer. But I did make a pledge to myself at the beginning of the year to get a bit more out of my comfort zone and try and give my time to worthy causes.

@OOm you know Shoprite closed here a couple of years ago. Kenya is a graveyard of South African businesses. Game also closed, and Builders Warehouse.

But I'll check out Shoperite and see about bringing some up.

Sorry thought you have Shoprite. They are in Nigeria, not sure about Ethiopia.. You'll get that nr3 at any Checkers. Flat or round. I like the flat potjie, can do bread in them aswell.

[OomStruisbaai]

Cheers lads. Yes it was quite a lekka experience. I fell into it accidentally, but I quiet enjoyed it. It was quite an eye opener to see how many people know somebody who has been affected by cancer. But I did make a pledge to myself at the beginning of the year to get a bit more out of my comfort zone and try and give my time to worthy causes.

i am not sure how your childrens school works. But here's a tip. If not done already. Speak to the headmaster , and get a feel for children in the school. You may well be directed to the Social worker , but thats where you want to be in any event. Ask about whether she has any idea how many children come to school without lunches or having had a proper meal at home. This is a very delicate matter because of the social pressures at school, but you and they may be quite surprised by the numbers . The social worker does a survey amongst the teachers , who monitor trends in the class. And then a number will form. You then , with the blessing of the headmaster , and monitored by the Social worker who forms part of the admin group , create a wattsapp group , call it what you want , but don't mention charity in any way. This wattsapp group will be advertised amongst the class wattsapp groups and you will be shocked by the response of parents wanting to assist. You calculate how many kids need to be cared for into sandwiches , drinks and fruit. Sweets shouldn't be part of this but people just cannot help themselves....and the kids do love a treat. If it works out to x amount , you know you get 9 sandwiches out of a loaf , and want to keep it to that number per contributer so its affordable for the moms. So if there are 9 kids , you know you need to get 2 moms on board per day with there being 2 breaks a day. . Bearing in mind that you need 44 moms per month for that 9 , and you don't want to put that pressure on moms too often. every second month is perfect. so your 44 moms becomes 88. This is for a number of 9 remember. Sandwiches must be wrapped as if they were made by mom at home . Handing them out is the tricky part. We have discovered that a lot of kids buy meal packs from the school daily and go fetch it from a pickup point , and thats where we direct the children to fetch their food parcels. It keeps dignity for them. No kid wants to be known as the child that receives charity.....trust me children are brutal. You will be shocked by the growth of your support group and the number of moms that will join. What we do is that the mom takes a pic of her delivery to the school each morning and posts it on the group. This does 2 things. It validifies that it is there , and if not a plan is made immediately. Also it gives the moms a sense of achievemment.

Obviously there is quite a bit of management behind the scenes but these are mainly reminders to the moms and allocation of slots.

But definitely a good option to assist closer to home. My wife initiated this and manages this at the 2 schools my kids go to.

Kenia isn't South Africa.

[assfly]

Ja it is a bit different here. My kids go to an international school so they don't quite have the same exposure to kids not being able to afford to eat at school. Despite being surrounded by poverty everywhere here (at least outside the school walls). They live in a bubble, and I must admit as a parent it's a tough situation to handle, keeping them grounded. Their friends tend to be children of incredibly wealthy Kenyans, so lets just say we have trouble competing with birthday party standards.

But the opportunity to help is everywhere. Kenyans are incredibly motivated and industrious people, so the one thing they always want help with is school fees, so we try and do what we can.

My eldest is more of an animal lover than a people-person, so he's asked if he can do some volunteering at the SPCA which I'm really happy with.

[Sards]

Ja it is a bit different here. My kids go to an international school so they don't quite have the same exposure to kids not being able to afford to eat at school. Despite being surrounded by poverty everywhere here (at least outside the school walls). They live in a bubble, and I must admit as a parent it's a tough situation to handle, keeping them grounded. Their friends tend to be children of incredibly wealthy Kenyans, so lets just say we have trouble competing with birthday party standards.

But the opportunity to help is everywhere. Kenyans are incredibly motivated and industrious people, so the one thing they always want help with is school fees, so we try and do what we can.

My eldest is more of an animal lover than a people-person, so he's asked if he can do some volunteering at the SPCA which I'm really happy with.

thats fantastic.....our planet is our home...as well as all the animals that co-exist with us. looking after it is a huge responsibility. Well done to the lad..

We must be able to eat beef , lamb , pork and chicken with a clear conscience.

[mat the expat]

I absolutely love a challenge. If I need to sink my teeth into something thats perfect for me.

I realised during the heavy load shedding that chip fryers were your biggest electricity expense in a restaurant....and all current fryers can not work on a generator because of the load. I discovered this in my wifes shop.
I designed a fryer that can just work off a generator.....I reduced oil and size until I had it at absolute minimum. I am cleaning up with these fryers now.
Taking the bread out of my competitors mouths. Best of all I also reduced oil usage which has also become a major expense.

Clever chap!

[OomStruisbaai]

Winter near its end and the first time in months hitting the deck for outside braai. Maybe the fresh air but meat just taste better braaing outside. Come on summer.

[handyman]

Winter near its end and the first time in months hitting the deck for outside braai. Maybe the fresh air but meat just taste better braaing outside. Come on summer.

Bly oom deesdae voltyds in Struis?

[OomStruisbaai]

Winter near its end and the first time in months hitting the deck for outside braai. Maybe the fresh air but meat just taste better braaing outside. Come on summer.

Bly oom deesdae voltyds in Struis?

Ja nog al die pad. Ek gaan net so n week in n maand Paarl

[OomStruisbaai]

Handy is jy nog in Ashton?

[handyman]

Handy is jy nog in Ashton?

Ja werk en bly verskillende dorpe hier rond. Platteland maar waar ek aard.

[OomStruisbaai]

Handy is jy nog in Ashton?

Ja werk en bly verskillende dorpe hier rond. Platteland maar waar ek aard.

Ek stem. Na Covid is dit so maklik om to connect orals oor die wereld.

[OomStruisbaai]

Time to gooi Steak!

[Sards]

We were at a braai too.
Currently we are not enjoying heavy red meat.
Have developed more of a taste for Asian small bowl delecasies. And fish.

So when we go out for a braai we get some thinly sliced lamb and pork rashers and chops. Very short time on the fire and just more flavor because there is more seasoning on the thin slices. Doesn't sit heavily in the stomach

[Sards]

Pizza night. There is a pizza shop next to where my eldest trains for cricket. Thin based deliciousness. Going to throw them in the oven tonight.

Ace of base is the name I am having the Chorizo pizza

[handyman]

What's on the braai for the big game on Saturday?

[Sandstorm]

What's on the braai for the big game on Saturday?

Taking a break from the braai this weekend (it's pissing rain in Mudland anyway) and the girls will do a roast beef with spuds, Yorkies and gravy instead.

[handyman]

What's on the braai for the big game on Saturday?

Taking a break from the braai this weekend (it's pissing rain in Mudland anyway) and the girls will do a roast beef with spuds, Yorkies and gravy instead.

Yeah sounds good.

[Sards]

At the braai we had at home last night with some friends. We catered borewors and lamb chops. It's just easy to braai and quick if you need to get it done in the rugby break.

I normally twist and cut my borewors into roll size lengths.

I had prepared the Charcoal oven so it was at 200 degrees inside and all the vents were closed so it wasn't burning the Charcoal much. Just enough to maintain the temperature.
I then packed all the borewors on the top grid and the lamb chops on the middle and lower grid and closed the door and left it for a few minutes. Opened and turned everything and closed the door again.
Now traditionally I leave the door and vents open for borewors with the extraction fan on. Then the fat oozes out and creates flames which gives those stripes on the surface of the meat.
With the door and vents closed there are no flareups, because the Charcoal has gone to sleep as there's no oxygen to fuel it. So even lambchops will cook without flareups.
Anyway. The borewors came out in about 6 min total and what happened is that the skin sealed at the 200 degree temperature in the oven. Although there was no lines on the borewors all the juices were sealed inside and when you bit into it they came oozing out. Everyone said that was the best borewors they had ever had

[Sandstorm]

At the braai we had at home last night with some friends. We catered borewors and lamb chops. It's just easy to braai and quick if you need to get it done in the rugby break.

I normally twist and cut my borewors into roll size lengths.

I had prepared the Charcoal oven so it was at 200 degrees inside and all the vents were closed so it wasn't burning the Charcoal much. Just enough to maintain the temperature.
I then packed all the borewors on the top grid and the lamb chops on the middle and lower grid and closed the door and left it for a few minutes. Opened and turned everything and closed the door again.
Now traditionally I leave the door and vents open for borewors with the extraction fan on. Then the fat oozes out and creates flames which gives those stripes on the surface of the meat.
With the door and vents closed there are no flareups, because the Charcoal has gone to sleep as there's no oxygen to fuel it. So even lambchops will cook without flareups.
Anyway. The borewors came out in about 6 min total and what happened is that the skin sealed at the 200 degree temperature in the oven. Although there was no lines on the borewors all the juices were sealed inside and when you bit into it they came oozing out. Everyone said that was the best borewors they had ever had

Sounds delicious.

Boerie should be cooked quickly and served immediately. As a starter is best. Too many okes braai the shit out if it for 30 minutes, then let it steam in the braaipan for another 30. Yuk.

[Jock42]

What sort of kit do you guys use? Going to replace my entry level BBQ and take things more seriously.

[OomStruisbaai]

What sort of kit do you guys use? Going to replace my entry level BBQ and take things more seriously.

A braai is suppose to be as primitive as possible. Best braai is on the ground packed by stones for the grill. Love braaing along the beach.