23 July 2008 3,935 views No Comment Print it  Email it

Warm weather has its numerous upsides. Grilling and cookout parties are abundant at this time and now are a perfect opportunity to have an African inspired Barbecue (or Braii as is referred to in South Africa). From décor to grilling recipes we will share tips on how to throw a wonderful party with Afro centric flava!

Food

The strength of your party is in the food you serve. The following is a list of common food served and the African alternative.

Meats

Meats have traditionally been the centerpiece of barbecues with several variations served. Africa has a lot of recipes for meat dishes with variations depending on the region. Burgers for the most part is absent in traditional African cuisine.

Barbecue Ribs……. Grilled Spare Ribs (East African Nyama Choma)
Barbecue Chicken…Mozambican Piripiri Chicken (East African)
Grilled Chicken Suya (West African)
Grilled Beef Kababs…. West African Suya (West African)
Grilled Sausages……….Grilled Boerewors (South African)
Grilled Salmon……… Grilled Tilapia in Banana Leaves

Sides

What is an African meal without a starchy side to complete it? The African plate must have 3 components a healthy dose of starch, a side of meat and a side of vegetables. The following sides will be a perfect complement to your grilled meats.

Hot Sides

West African Jollof Rice

South African Krummelpap with chakalaka Sauce

East African Ugali

North African

Vegetables

East African Kachumbari

West African vegetable salad

North African Stuffed Grape leaves

                                                            Desserts

Traditionally, sweet desserts are not served at the end of most African meals. Fruits for the most part have been used to serve this purpose.

For a sweet end to a wonderful barbecue, try some African inspired desserts.

Grilled fruit (Water melons, pineapple halves)

South African Koeksisters

West African Coconut cookies

Malawian  Ntochi.

Drinks

Like any other American barbecue, African barbecue is not complete without great drinks. Beers like Heineken and stouts like Guinness are very popular in Africa. Another favorite is West African Palm wine which is available at local African food stores.

Non-alcoholic drinks like bissap and soda’s are good too.

Décor 

Keep it simple and fun. Barbecues are typically served buffet style. Hurricane lanterns, African inspired fabric for individual tabletops. Tropical Floral arrangements like hibiscus and palms of paradise plants are great displays for your buffet table.

Be sure to choose paper products that follow your color scheme.