Braai Grills are social custom in South Africa and is a speciality in Botswana, Namibia, & Zimbabsswe. Braai word has been used as a word for barbecue. The traditions around a braai can be considerably different. By Dinesh Arora
Delhi gets the flavour of Braai Grills for the first time ever in the city at at Unpluuged Courtyard. The word braaivleis is an African word used for Braai Grills. Food Connoisseur & Restaurateur Dinesh Arora says “Braai Grills is going to be the hottest food trend in the year 2016.
Braai Grills are social custom in South Africa and is a speciality in Botswana, Namibia, & Zimbabwe. Braai word has been used as a word for barbecue. The traditions around a braai can be considerably different from a barbecue, even if the method of food preparation is very similar.
The Culture behind Braai Grills:
Similar to a potluck party, braais are used for casual and relaxed social events where families and friends converge on a picnic spot or someone's home (normally the garden or veranda) with their own meat, salad, or side dish in hand. Meats are the mainstay of the South African braai. They typically includ, kebabs, marinated chicken, pork and lamb chops, steaks, sausages of different flavors and thickness, and possibly even racks of spareribs. Keeping that food trend in mind, Restaurateur Dinesh Arora is launching a new restaurant named Unplugged Courtyard in heart of city, Connaught Place, New Delhi, where he plants a natural tree to give a homely feel to the terrace. Braii Grills are best matched with Wines also best for winter evenings. In South Africa Braai has also replaced the Western stuffed turkey and pudding.
Technique to make Braai
Wisps of smoke lift off charcoal or wood; a long and patient process is involved in getting the fire at just the right temperature. Modern gas grills are widely used, but those-in-the-know stick to the old fashioned wood fire – an art to be mastered with a smokiness that infuses the meat with flavour. Whether you are in the affluent suburbs or the run-down townships, the tradition of braaing in South Africa cuts across every divide
Where there’s Fire, there’s Braai
Restraunteur Dinesh Arora who travels the world, and a south African cuisine lover says “As it has always been, where a fire is lit, people congregate, and this is no different with braaing. Overall, there seems to be a gender preference in South Africa, still, with men turning the tongs and women preparing the salads and sides. Naturally, this isn’t a hard a fast rule. The fire provides a convenient spot for conversation with cold beers in hand, and on chilly evenings, everyone gathers closer for warmth.
Glam up the Grill
Braai does not have to mean just a simple pack of hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. Perfecting heat control and experimenting with marinades and sides takes the weekend braai to celebratory status. Duck can be prepared with a fig and, lamb with a Dijon mustard can be given a braai makeover with basil butter and a fresh tomato and cilantro salsa. The standby South African sides of potato salad with boiled eggs and mayonnaise. Also Braai left-overs can be transformed into sensational sandwiches and salads the next day, and impart a smokiness you just can’t get on the stove or in the oven.