The Braai
OK, we need to have this talk: What about The Braai?
Coming together around a fire remains a unifying tradition in our nation, offering a momentary escape from our concerns. The ceremony of igniting the fire, the sound of meat sizzling, and gazing at the flames while discussing and addressing all our troubles with a beer in hand is deeply rooted in our culture. The thought of giving this up can be daunting. Rest assured, you can still enjoy something delicious sizzling over the fire and share a fantastic plant-based braai experience with your friends.
With a little guidance and experimentation, you'll soon realise that it was never really about the meat anyways. Be warned that at these gatherings, your plate will be scrutinized like never before, and you will undoubtedly have some hammered tjop swing a dead tjop in your face or friends mmmm-ing after taking a bite of Champion boerewors while empathetically telling you that you don’t know what you are missing.
But you do.
You've had it an entire lifetime, chose to not have it any longer, and you are now having something equally good, perhaps even better, but with a clear conscience and healthier body. Now more than ever, we are spoiled for choice with the variety of plant-based braai alternatives to choose from.
Keep in mind that they are still processed, and whole foods are still preferable. However, the majority of people who converted loved the taste of meat, so it is only natural that we would still want to replicate the taste and textures.
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Seitan is a plant-based meat substitute made from wheat gluten that mimics the flavor and texture of chicken.
Google is awash with fire food recipes for you to discover, but in the meantime click on these links for some braai and barbeque inspiration:
When hosting, potjies are a terrific option and you can still request that your guests brings their own meat if they want to braai it on the side.
When planning your braai, still include all your favorite side dishes; pap and sheba, potato salads, braaibroodjies and mielies, but also include your braai alternative.
What about biltong?
The very idea of vegan biltong might sound like an oxymoron or cruel joke to you, but the cruelty has been taken out, and the plant-based revolution is bringing tastier snacks by the day. There are so many options out there, seitan, mushroom or even banana-based biltong. You just need to experiment and find your favorite.
Jan Braai - The Vegetarian Option was born out of Jan's friend's constantly asking him to write a vegetarian braai cookbook.
There’s no reason to neglect your braai – Jan has you covered.
