Why do we as South Africans love our braai? Is it the smell of the fat dripping off the coals wafting away and tempting the stomach? Or the spirit of a bunch of good mates, getting together to catch up and talk shit with each other over a cold one?
The braai has always been a sacred South African tradition. Remember watching those Castle Lager adverts on TV with Toto singing in the background. It makes you feel proud to come from the biltong and beer living nation.
As far back as I can remember my old man has always been a braai fanatic. I mean he has just built another braai at home. My old lady is going crazy, but she knows how he loves it so much, so she tolerates it. There is nothing better than kicking back with my pops, cracking a cold beer and chilling in the braai area on a Sunday afternoon with the Grand Prix, and hopefully a win for Ferrari.
So what constitutes a traditional braai? Is it the potato salad, the right wors, or is it the manner in which marinate your meat? I think it is none of those, yet all of them at the same time. To me a braai is more than just how you prepare your food, and what salad you have with it. Its about the spirit, how you do it makes all the difference. Today I will be heading to the Knysna forest with some really good friends. Nothing fancy, a few coals, some gentle guitar, laughs and good food cooked well.
I hope you all enjoy you heritage.
The lazy Chef
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