Veggies on the braai

At very many South African braais, the veggies (if there are any) are usually cooked in the kitchen while the meat is cooked on the braai. But these veggie recipes all make great sides and are all cooked over a flame.

Stuffed onions

Great flavours and charred onions make these a winner.

White onions (½ – 1 per person)
Blue cheese (or your favourite cheese)
Bacon, chopped and cooked until crisp
Black pepper
Thyme
Olive oil
Tinfoil

To prepare the onions, peel and chop off the top and bottom. Cut a circle in the middle of the onion with a knife from the top down, making sure to leave a base of onion and not go right through. Set aside to grill. In a bowl, mix together blue cheese, bacon, pepper, thyme leaves and a bit of olive oil. Grill the onions on the braai until they are nicely charred, top and bottom. Remove and place on a sheet of tinfoil. Stu the blue cheese and bacon mixture into each cavity and wrap the tinfoil into parcels. Replace on a medium braai and cook for 25 minutes

Maple carrots

Simple, sweet and delicious. This side is a fan favourite amongst kids and adults alike.

Baby carrots
Streaky bacon
Maple syrup

Wrap the carrots in a slice of bacon. (If you choose bigger carrots, boil them in water for 5 – 7 minutes before wrapping them.) Place them on a medium grill, turning occasionally, until the carrots are soft and the bacon crisp. Just before serving brush the bacon with maple syrup and cook for a few more minutes.

Zucchini parcels

A touch of chilli and loads of herbs elevates the zucchini to create this yummy side.

Zucchini, sliced (1 per person)
Chilli flakes
Handful oregano, chopped
Handful basil leaves, chopped
Handful parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Dash of olive oil
Parmesan cheese, grated
Tinfoil

Make a tinfoil parcel and add all the ingredients, finishing with the grated Parmesan. Close the parcel and place on the grill on a medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes

Baby mushrooms

So simple and easy to cook, this side is a classic.

Baby mushrooms
Butter
Salt and pepper
Tinfoil

Make a tinfoil parcel, add the mushrooms and pats of butter, and season well with salt and pepper. Close the parcel and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes, or until soft.