Mother’s Day Braai Challenge: Dad’s Turn to Make the Braaibroodjies!
Step 1: Prepare the Fire
Crack open a beer for yourself and pour Mom a glass of Pinotage (perfect for that juicy steak and braaibroodjie combo). Now, the key here is to tell Mom exactly when you’re starting the fire – and most importantly, what type of wood you’ll be using. Choose wisely: Sekelbos, Kameeldoring, Rooikool... they all have different burning times! Keep that fire going by adding more wood as it burns down. And don’t forget to keep the beers coming for you, and the wine flowing for Mom.
Need fire wood? Buy it here:
Step 2: Make the Braaibroodjies (without burning them!)
Don’t worry, we are giving you step-by-step instructions on how to go about it:
Traditional Boere Braaibroodjies
Ingredients:
Butter (LOTS of butter – you’re making this for Mom, after all)
Lots of cheddar cheese 🧀
Tomato 🍅, onion 🧅, salt, pepper
Mrs Balls Chutney (because no boerie snack is complete without it)
Method:
Butter one side of each slice of bread (don’t be shy with the butter).
Place buttered bread slices butter-side-down on your cutting board.
Layer with cheese, tomato, onion, salt, and pepper.
Top with the other slice of bread, buttered-side-out.
Toast them on the braai until golden brown. Mrs Balls chutney on the side!
Greek-Inspired Braaibroodjies
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil (and more for drizzling)
Green bell pepper (sliced)
Red onion (sliced) 🧅
8 slices white bread
½ cup olives (halved)
2 wheels of feta cheese
1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
2 tomatoes (sliced)
Salt, pepper, and fresh oregano
Method:
Drizzle bread with olive oil on one side (this will be the outside).
Layer the bread with olives, onion, bell pepper, feta, cheddar, and tomato.
Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Close with the other bread slices and braai until golden brown with melted cheese. Serve with a real Greek salad on the side (but NO lettuce… because Greek salad rules, right?).
Spinach, Garlic, and Feta Braaibroodjies (the closest mom'll get to a salad on Mother's Day)
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 🧄
1 tbsp butter
125g spinach, wilted 🌱
100g feta (cubed)
Salt and pepper
8 slices white bread
Method:
Fry garlic in butter until fragrant, then add spinach until wilted.
Remove from heat, then stir in feta and season to taste.
Spread the mixture on bread, and toast over the coals until golden brown and cheesy.
Peachy Blue Cheese Braaibroodjies
Ingredients:
4 tbsp butter
2 peaches, thickly sliced 🍑
80g blue cheese (don’t skimp on this)
Balsamic glaze (drizzle for that tangy finish)
8 slices white bread
Method:
Heat butter and cook the peaches until soft and golden.
Butter the bread on one side.
Layer 4 slices with peaches, crumbled blue cheese, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Close with remaining bread slices and braai until the cheese is gooey and golden.
Step 3: Braaing the Braaibroodjies
Put your braaibroodjies in a hinged grid and braai over medium heat. Be sure to turn them regularly to avoid burnt edges – because no one wants to see you in trouble with Mom (two sips of beer and one sip of wine, and bam, it’s burnt!).
Important Note: While braaing, don’t forget to pour more drinks and keep Mom entertained with your excellent braai skills. Serve immediately as a side to your perfect steak. (Just remember, Mom eats first, and she gets to rate your braaibroodjies today!)
Bonus Tip: Skip the salad today – Mom can take care of that next time. It’s her day off!