There is nothing more specific to South Africa than lighting a fire and making the best braai. It’s a season that eliminates all boundaries – racial, cultural, religious and social. With Heritage Day upon us, South Africans will unite to enjoy a good meal, and a few laughs!
On this special occasion, BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, has partnered with its brand ambassador, Chef Benny Masekwameng, to share top braai tips on a budget:
- Presentation is key: For a breathtaking display, create a platter with the available spread you have. Layout the products on a wooden board or an oven tray. To enhance aesthetics, simply cut and grill some veggies and add them to your layout. Voila! You’ll be ready to set and present your meal.
- Premium tasting meat: Chef Benny advises that the simplest way to get premium tasting meat without paying the price is to buy beef chuck. For a quick braai, simply ask your butcher to cut it into thin slices and all that’s left is for you to quickly braai it. But if you have time, braai it whole, low and slow.
- Braai the juiciest meat on a budget: Getting the juiciest braai meat ever is simple. Chef Benny shares a four-ingredient hack for the best braai meat. Add and mix tomato sauce, soy sauce, fruit chutney and olive oil. Once mixed, add and massage onto your meat.
- Don’t forget the side dish: A South African favourite for a braai is the potato salad as a side dish. Here’s a trick to make it even tastier: slice your par-cooked potatoes and toss them in a hot pan with olive oil. Add some salt and pepper, then lower your heat and add in your sliced onions. Allow your onions to caramelize slowly to infuse with the potatoes and that will give it a delicious flavour.
- Kiddie’s corner: Braais can be fun for both adults and children. Create a section for the kids where they can be entertained while you keep an eye on them. Offer them some toys, crayons, games and you can even provide them with ingredients to make their own skewers and act as junior braai masters.
- Wrap it up: We all know that great meals end with a delicious dessert. Chef Benny believes this trick will help you add that last punch to your guests’ braai experience. All you need is some fruit and your fire. Grill your fruits on the stand and once they are ready, serve them with either ice-cream, cream or custard.
- South African Fondue: Another method to cater for those with a sweet tooth is to make a so-called South African Fondue. All you need is a small pot that can be placed at a low heat section of the fire. Toss in a few chocolate pieces and melt them in some cream in the pot. Grab your fruit skewers or some marshmallows on a stick, gather your guests around the fire, dip and enjoy!
These tips will help you save money on your menu but will still provide your guests with an unforgettable five star experience.
Whether you’re looking to do a more traditional, meaty braai, or a contemporary, nutritious vegan braai, finding new and exciting flavours may be difficult. That is why BIC has partnered with Chef Benny and BIC fans across South Africa to create the Ultimate Braai Recipe e-booklet that has you covered with everything from snacks & starters, skewers & kebabs, veggies & side dishes, to the main dish and even a sweet treat.
For more information, follow BIC Lighters on Facebook @BICLightersSA or Instagram @BICLightersSA. Join the conversation using the #TeamFire.
Top braai product recommendations:
About BIC
A world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday life. For more than 75 years, the Company has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable, essential products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world and feature iconic brands such as BIC Kids™, BIC FlexTM, BodyMark by BICTM, Cello®, Djeep, Lucky Stationery, Rocketbook, Soleil®, Tipp-Ex®, Us. TM, Wite-Out® and more. In 2020, BIC Net Sales were 1,627.9 million euros. The Company is listed on “Euronext Paris,” is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and education. It received an A- Leadership score from CDP.
For more, visit about.bic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
About BIC SA
BIC has been operating in South Africa for more than 58 years covering over 18 countries in Africa. BIC stationery offers a large portfolio of writing instruments, a BIC Kids range including wax crayons, coloring pencils, felt pens, and Tipp-Ex correction products to name just a few. BIC offers pocket lighters, utility lighters, firelighters and we have a BIC shavers range for men and women.
BIC has a long history in South Africa. Everything began in 1958 when BIC acquired Biro Swan Ltd, a UK company with activities in the so-called “sterling zone” of which South Africa was part of. Beginning in the 70’s, BIC launched BIC pocket lighters and BIC shavers, supported by memorable advertising.
For more information visit: za.bicworld.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube.
Thank you so much, this will come in handy.