How to host the perfect braai on National Braai Day
Make this National Braai Day a happy occasion you’ll remember for weeks to come. From preparing creative side dishes to making an awesome playlist, there are plenty of ideas you can use to host the perfect braai. Need a home with an entertainment area? Find houses for sale on GotProperty today.
Plan your guest list
Spending time with people whose company you enjoy is an essential aspect of any braai. Decide on how many people you’re willing to host and tailor your guest list according to this limitation.
Check dietary requirements
In preparation for your braai, ask your guests if they have any special dietary requirements. If there are vegetarian or vegan guests attending your braai, make sure that you prepare some dishes that are free from animal products. It’s also advantageous to ask your guests if they have any food allergies.
Prepare snacks
No braai is complete without snacks. A fun part of any braai is enjoying drinks and snacks while you’re waiting for the food to cook. Chips and dips are a classic braai snack everyone loves. You can also consider offering your guests cocktail sausages and vegetable sticks before the main meal.
Side dishes
Classic South African braai favourites include potato salad and garlic bread. A garden salad is another favourite that will make a welcomed addition to your menu. Braais are usually casual occasions so you can ask your guests to bring a side dish and drinks to share. Don’t be afraid to explore new recipes for side dishes.
Choose your main meal
Decide what type of meat or vegetarian options you’re going to braai. Chops, boerewors, steak, and chicken are all popular meat options. There are also plenty of meat-free alternatives to choose from. To achieve the best results, let your meat reach room temperature before you put it on the braai.
Set up your entertainment area
To ensure that National Braai Day is a great success, make sure that you prepare your entertainment area in advance. Tidy up and give the area a thorough clean. Wash your patio furniture and spruce up your garden. Check that your braai equipment is in good working order. Having the right equipment is essential if you want to host the ultimate braai. If you don’t have enough seats, you can ask your guests to bring their own camping chairs. Take a look at the following checklist to ensure that you’re properly prepared:
- Braai
- Tongs
- A sharp knife
- Thermometer
- Tables and chairs
- Cutlery and crockery
- Cleaning equipment
- Firelighters and charcoal
Make an awesome playlist
Music sets the tone for your braai and helps to put people in the mood to celebrate. Choose songs you enjoy while also considering the preferences of the guests you’ve invited.
Decide on a braai master
Decide who will have the honour of overseeing the braai. It’s important that the person knows how to cook the food properly. The meat or vegetarian patties should only be placed on the grille when the flames have subsided. The grille should be placed approximately 10cm from the coals and should be heated before adding the food. Don’t turn the meat frequently as it should only be turned once or twice. Avoid adding salt to the meat before you cook it as it will result in a tough texture.
Safety tips
Make sure that you stay safe while enjoying National Braai Day. Keep a bucket of water nearby that can be used in an emergency and don’t leave the braai area without anyone watching it. Make sure that your entertainment area is well lit so that you’re able to continue braaing if it gets dark.
Celebrate National Braai Day in style by taking the time to prepare for your guests. Don’t have a big enough braai area? If you’re ready to upgrade, you can find houses for sale on GotProperty today.
