Celebrate South African Heritage Day with us
(it’s a great excuse for a BBQ!)

September 24th is to South Africans what July 4^th is to North Americans. Heritage Day is a national holiday where all members of the Rainbow Nation are encouraged to celebrate the diversity of their culture, beliefs and traditions. We tend to do this with a hearty braai. Braai is short for “braaivleis”, the Afrikaans term for “roasted meat” – so, it’s our version of a barbecue.

When we braai (which we do a lot - not just on September 24^th!), the food is traditionally cooked over a wood fire, rather than gas, electricity, coals or charcoal. Preparing and maintaining the perfect fire is a fine art and the glowing embers are not just a means of preparing the food, but the focal point of an extended social occasion where the conversation, and beers, never run out – we know how to party here!😉

Everyone has their own favorite cuts of meat, marinades and recipes, many of which use Rooibos tea to add extra richness and flavor. Here’s one that our family particularly enjoys.

PORK RIBS WITH ROOIBOS MARINADE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup strong Rooibos Rocks tea (2 tea bags - steeped for 5 mins)
• 1/2 cup cooking oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup fruit chutney
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
• 1 kg pork spareribs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

METHOD

1. Add all the ingredients, apart from the ribs, to a pan and boil vigorously for 5 minutes.
2. Arrange the meat in a flat dish and pour over the marinade.
3. Leave to marinate for at least 4 hours.
4. Lift the meat out of the dish and place on the hot BBQ (or broil in the oven).
5. Baste often with marinade left in the dish.
6. When you serve the meat you can season further with salt and pepper.