South Africans love nothing more than cracking open a cold one and throwing some quality meat on a braai.

It’s one of the national pastimes that unites us as a country, which is why National Heritage Day is also known by some as National Braai Day.

There’s a lot going on this weekend, and a lot of ways to celebrate the cultural diversity of our country.

If you’re doing it right, you’ll probably make the most of a work-free Monday, and hit up an epic party on Sunday.

Then it’s time to recover with a chilled braai on Monday. If you haven’t started preparations yet, you’d best get started. Here’s Food24:

If your home is usually entertainment HQ, make a few calls, decide on your preferred Braai Day menu, make your shopping list, and get cracking. Oh, and if it’s been a while since you’ve hosted a braai at home, don’t forget to check on the grids and tongs.

Before you start panicking, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.  Stephen Mandes, winner of the Ultimate Braai Master 2014, and Chef De Cuisine at the Westin Cape Town, has four pro tips to ensure that your braai hits the spot.

1. Prep the meat

Spice the meat or chicken more or less two hours before you get the fire going, it allows the flavours to soak into the meat and enhances the overall taste.

2. Spice vs marinade

Avoid fancy spices and marinades. Simple is always better. Mandes likes to keep it traditional:

…some salt, pepper, garlic, paprika and fresh herbs are all it takes, and the taste will be something to remember. Quality meat really needs no marinade or spice. Salt and pepper will do the trick and the taste is out of this world.

3. The braai area

Fire trumps gas every time. Fire enhances and adds to the flavour of the meat.

So get the fire going, make sure the whiskey’s on ice and throw in a cold beer or two to build the gees.

4. Yummies on the side 

Get a little creative with your salads, but also make sure that you have some classics like potato salad and pap.

The famous garlic bread, and a few cheese, onion and tomato roosterkoek or braaibroodtjies are winners with the guests too.

Other yummies include pre-braai snacks like chips. If you want a healthier alternative to chips, you can try biltong, which also goes great in a salad.  

Oh, and you’d better make sure you have enough beer, brandy and mixers to go around.

A bonus pro tip from your friends at 2oceansvibe – if you get caught unprepared after your Sunday blowout, the Quench app is a lifesaver.

They’ll deliver snacks, booze and other braai essentials to your door, meaning you don’t have to face the shops with a hangover.

[source:food24]