The braai, the big divider and unifier of South Africa. The first debate about the braai (BBQ to my non South African readers) is charcoal or wood. And once you have come to the conclusion that wood is the way to go, the type of wood you are going to use is the next big debate. And then we have to work out, is the BBQ indoors or outdoors. Because, every day is braai day in South Africa. We have what I call a boys braai. This is an outdoor braai, at the edge of the patio which uses wood (or charcoal in a crunch). It is where the boys gather when we have friends over for a braai. And therein is the next divider. Away from the Cape a lunch time braai means just that – we will eat at lunch time. In the Cape, a lunch time braai means we will light the fire sometime after lunch! And because we love to braai, an indoor braai makes a lot of sense if you have summer rainfall, or winter rainfall. And so, we have a gas braai which will serve as our ‘indoor’ braai when the house has been completed. It will be under the roof, between the glass door leading into the lounge, and will have a glass pane alongside it, to keep out the weather. The next hurdle to overcome is what goes on to the braai, and how to serve it. Dave and I are insistent that as soon as the meat/chicken/fish comes off the braai it must be eaten. There is no waiting around, or putting of food into a roasting pan into the oven to keep warm. And then, what do you serve as side dishes? The most traditional side dish would be mielie pap if you are from Transvaal (now known as Gauteng) and of course there will be salads, especially potato salad, as no braai could be complete without one. And in the Cape, some people will serve braai broodjies before the meat is done, or to go with the meat, but this is another divider. I had never seen braai sandwiches until we moved to the Western Cape. And I was not particularly enamoured by them as traditionally they are bread filled with cheese and onions. But for something different for the grill and an excuse to ‘light the fire’ (not that we ever need one), I decided to make braai broodjies that we would enjoy as a lunch time meal.
Recipe For Braai Broodjies
Ingredients
- 15 g butter
- 5 mls olive oil
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 2 slices bread
- Chutney for spreading
- Cheese cut into thick slices
- ¼ large tomato, thickly sliced
- Salt and white pepper to season
- Mayonnaise for spreading
Method
- Place the butter and olive oil into a frying pan
- Melt over a low temperature
- Add the leek and sauté until soft
- Set aside
- Spread one slice of the bread with chutney
- Place the cheese onto the bread
- Place the tomatoes on top
- Season generously
- Add the leeks
- Spread the other slice of bread with mayonnaise
- Top the leeks with this slice to make a sandwich
- Place the sandwich onto the grill and braai until the cheese starts to melt or is warmed through
Notes
Click on the links for conversions and notes.
Blog-checking lines: With summer just around the corner, ML Spell from Dry Spell invited us to play with fire! She challenged us to make some mouthwatering eats on the grill for the June daring cooks challenge.
Take a look at what was previously posted on Lavender and Lime June 15:
- one year ago – The Hangman’s Song
- two years ago – Burger and Chips
- three years ago – Tomato Pasta Sauce
- four years ago – Cupcakes
- five years ago – Exotic Mushroom Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes
What an interesting recipe, Tandy. Thank you for teaching me about broodjies!
My pleasure Liz 🙂
I love when you write about South African regional specialties, Tandy. Though I wish you were sitting beside me pronouncing everything properly so I could figure out how to read these words aloud. 🙂
Krista, I shall find a way to insert voice clips!
I love the idea of “braiing” regardless of the weather – inside, outside, all year round…marvellous!
It is something special Tanya 🙂
Pete would braai 7 days a week given half the chance. Thankfully we also have an inside and outside braai and Pete will ONLY use wood.
Have a super Monday.
🙂 Mandy xo
So nice to know what other people do Mandy 🙂
Wow, that sounds like a LOT of thinking and planning. I did not know it was such a divider/unifier of South Africa. I guess whatever the format is, the food sounds pretty good I must say! :)
Thanks, the braai is something very special here 🙂
Ooh I do love a grilled cheese sandwich. Tandy we are both on the cheese sandwich thing today! 😀
I was amazed when I read your blog how we were both on the same wavelength 🙂
This is such a unique grilled cheese- and it’s beautiful, too!
Thank you so much!
As always Tandy, I learn something new from your blog. Today, it’s the “braai” Just another reason that I vow to get to South Africa one day…..hopefully not to far into the future either =)
I hope you do get to visit Laura 🙂
Love a good warm sandwich, so no matter what you cook this on, I will happily eat it!
I thought you would like this Joanne 🙂
Interesting to learn about Braai Broodjies. Braai sounds like a fun time, and I’m sure any one where you’re cooking would be fantastic! The broodjies look delicious!!
Thanks Mary Frances 🙂
Delicious Tandy! It looks like mustard seeds on that sandwich.
They are linseeds Tammy 🙂
Mmmm – a delicious grilled cheese sandwich – Tandy – love the leeks in there.
Thanks Rachel 🙂
I can see why you may debate over what to use, but whatever you used to make this sandwich… I am all for it. It just looks amazing. I’ve never heard of it but I sure do want to try it.
Kia / The House of KTS
http://www.houseofkts.com
Thanks Kia 🙂
I’ve neverheard of Braai Broodjies!Looks so tasty I wanna eat it right away!
They are very tasty 🙂
Tandy, thanks for introducing us to a little bit of South Africa good eats. Loving this simple and delicious toasted treat. This would be a great after school snack for the boys, easy and quick.
I am sure they would devour a load of these in a flash 🙂
Your sandwich looks delicious. I’ve been collecting different sandwich recipes for a few months now. I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Thanks Doreen and I hope you like it 🙂
What a fab name for a sambo, I love it. Broodjies…. fancy! 🙂
when you are in SA maybe you will hear the word spoken out aloud 🙂