How to make a South African "Braaibroodjie"

A favorite activity in South Africa on weekends is a good barbecue (braai) with family and friends. In addition to grilling meat we like to make braaibroodjies. A braaibroodjie loosely translated from Afrikaans is a barbecue sandwich. You can kinda think of it as a grilled cheese sandwich made on the grill.

What you will need is:

1. Sliced white bread
2. Margarine
3. A large tomato
4. A medium sized onion
5. Sliced cheese
6. Salt and Pepper
7. Origanum and Thyme
8. Apricot chutney (optional)
9. Cotton string (30 cm lengths per sandwich)

Constructing your braaibroodjie

1. Spread margarine on both sides of the bread.
2. On the base slice of the sandwich, pack sliced cheese, tomato slices and onion rings.
3. Add salt, pepper, origanum and thyme to taste.
4. On the top slice of the sandwich, pack another layer of sliced cheese. Optional: You can spread some apricot chutney before packing the cheese. This will give it a sweet tangy taste.

Next you will need to tie your braaibroodjie with cotton string to keep it all together when grilling.

Off to the grill we go!
Ensure your coals are not too hot because braaibroodjies can burn quickly. Medium to low temperature will be perfect.

Tip: Hold your open hand just above the grill. If you can hold your hand for 10 to 13 seconds before it gets too hot, then the coals are ready.

Braaibroodjies take roughly 8 to 10 minutes to grill. This ensures that all the cheese has melted. Turn constantly to avoid burning.

Turn your braaibroodjies over every 10 to 15 seconds until golden brown.

Then Enjoy

I hope you enjoy making this traditional South African favorite the next time you braai (barbecue).

Johann :-)