4 easy and healthy braai alternatives

Every South African enjoys a good braai on a warm summers evening but all the fatty lamb chops and sticky pork ribs can begin to wreak havoc with your waistline. Try these 4 easy and healthy braai alternatives for a delicious and healthier replacement.

1. Sub beef mince patties for ostrich ones. Ostrich meat is lean alternative that’s full of flavour. Add oregano, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper to your mincemeat and form your ostrich patty balls. Baste them in olive oil and braai them in exactly the same way as you would the beef patties. TRY: Ostrich braaied espetada (meat kebabs)
2. Sub creamy coleslaw or potato salad for quinoa or cous-cous salad. Add roasted red peppers and onions, feta, spinach leaves and pinenuts for extra flavour. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with coriander leaves. TRY: Salty avo, beetroot and crispy quinoa salad
3. Sub garlic bread for garlic basted vegetable kebabs. Chop peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant into large chunks. Baste them with a simple garlic-infused olive oil, or if you don’t have this rub a fresh garlic clove along the outside of the veggies. Skewer and place on the braai to sizzle away.
4. Sub lamb kebabs for chicken kebabs. Chicken breasts are low in fat and an easy meat-replacement on a kebab. Cut your chicken breast into large chunks and sprinkle with your spice of choice. Brush with olive oil and skewer. Use alternating pieces of pepper and mushroom in between the chicken pieces. TRY: Chicken sosaties 

Top Tip: soak your wooden skewers in water for about an hour before you use them, this will ensure they don’t burn and that no splinters go into your food.

By Chevaun Roux