Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of South African flavors. Whether it’s the smoky, tender grilled meats, the comforting pap, or the tangy chakalaka relish, each component offers a unique taste experience. The combination of textures—from the creamy coleslaw to the crunchy salad—balances the richness of the meats. It’s a perfect meal for sharing with friends and family, whether at a gathering or a casual meal. The dish is as much about the experience as it is about the flavors, making it a memorable feast.
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A Feast of Grilled Meat, Pap, and Vibrant Sides
- Total Time: 1.5 hours
- Yield: 4-6 people
Description
Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of South African cuisine with this feast of grilled meats, pap, and delicious sides. Perfect for gatherings or casual meals, this recipe features smoky braaied meats, savory boerewors sausage, comforting pap, and tangy chakalaka, along with creamy coleslaw and fresh salads. Bring the heart of South Africa to your table with this flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
For the grilled meat:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
- Lamb chops or beef
For the pap:
- 1 cup maize meal (mielie meal)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the chakalaka:
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can baked beans
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the coleslaw:
- 1/2 cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the fresh salad:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Cubes of cheese
Instructions
Grilled Meat and Boerewors:
- Marinate lamb chops or beef in olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least an hour.
- Grill the meat over medium heat until charred and cooked to your liking.
- Grill the boerewors over medium heat, turning until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Pap (Maize Meal):
- Bring water to a boil and add salt.
- Gradually whisk in maize meal, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Cover the pot and cook on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and smooth.
Chakalaka:
- Sauté onions and green peppers until softened.
- Add grated carrots and diced tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and baked beans, simmering for 10 minutes. Season to taste.
Coleslaw:
- Mix cabbage and grated carrots in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
Fresh Salad:
- Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese cubes in a bowl.
Notes
- Marinating Tip: Marinate the meat overnight for deeper flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili or hot sauce to the pap for an extra kick of spice.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based sausages and quinoa or couscous instead of pap for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course, South African Cuisine
- Method: Grilling, Boiling, Sautéing, Mixing
- Cuisine: South African
Ingredients
- For the grilled meat:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
- Lamb chops or beef
- For the pap:
- 1 cup maize meal (mielie meal)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the chakalaka:
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can baked beans
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the coleslaw:
- 1/2 cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the fresh salad:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Cubes of cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Grilled Meat and Boerewors
- Marinate lamb chops or beef in olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, and lemon juice. Let sit for at least an hour.
- Grill the meat over medium heat until charred and cooked to your liking.
- For boerewors, grill over medium heat, turning until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Pap (Maize Meal)
- Bring water to a boil and add salt.
- Gradually whisk in maize meal, stirring to avoid lumps.
- Cover the pot and cook on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and smooth.
Chakalaka
- Sauté onions and green peppers until softened.
- Add grated carrots and diced tomatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and baked beans, simmering for 10 minutes. Season to taste.
Coleslaw
- Mix cabbage and grated carrots in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
Fresh Salad
- Combine cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and cheese cubes in a bowl.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, making it a great option for gatherings or family meals. The total prep and cooking time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your grilling time and meal prep speed.
Variations
- Grilled Veggies: You can include grilled vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini alongside the meats for added flavor.
- Spicy Pap: Add chili or hot sauce to your pap for a spicier kick.
- Alternative Meats: If you prefer, you can substitute lamb or beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Options: Use plant-based sausages and substitute the pap with quinoa or couscous for a vegan version.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The grilled meats can be reheated in the oven or on a grill to maintain their flavor. Pap can be warmed up in the microwave or reheated on the stove with a splash of water to regain its original consistency.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to cook boerewors?
Boerewors is best cooked on medium heat, turning frequently to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its juicy flavor. Don’t pierce the sausage to prevent losing the juices.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most components in advance. Marinate the meat the night before, prepare the pap and chakalaka earlier in the day, and refrigerate.
3. What if I can’t find maize meal?
You can substitute maize meal with polenta, although the texture might be slightly different.
4. Can I use a different type of meat for the braai?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even fish, depending on your preferences.
5. How do I make pap thicker or thinner?
If you prefer thicker pap, use less water. For a thinner consistency, add a bit more water while cooking.
6. Is chakalaka spicy?
Chakalaka can be spicy depending on the amount of curry powder and chili you add. Adjust to your spice tolerance.
7. How long should I marinate the meat?
At least an hour, but for deeper flavor, marinate the meat overnight in the fridge.
8. Can I freeze pap?
Yes, you can freeze cooked pap. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water.
9. Can I make the coleslaw without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette for a lighter version.
10. What can I serve with this meal?
This meal is filling on its own, but you could add a side of rice or potatoes if desired.
Conclusion
This feast of grilled meat, pap, and vibrant sides is a perfect way to celebrate South African cuisine. Each component of the meal—from the smoky, charred meat to the creamy coleslaw and tangy chakalaka—offers a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the others. Whether you’re hosting a braai or enjoying a family meal, this dish is sure to impress with its variety and balance of flavors. Enjoy the vibrant and hearty tastes of South Africa at your own table!
