Four weeks of World Cup fever mean we know more about South Africa than ever before – but who knew that the host nation shares Britain’s passion for the barbecue, known in South Africa as a braai?
With record-breaking temperatures forecast for Britain this summer, men up and down the country are sure to be reaching for their aprons, donning their chef hats and firing up the grill – and their South African counterparts will be doing the same. A huge national tradition, the braai ritual is taken very seriously and, just like the Brits (who are notoriously glued to their barbecues come rain or shine), South Africans will braai whatever the weather.
Everything from T-bone steaks to fish, karoo oysters (deer testicles) and boerewors (farm sausage) can be cooked on the braai. Although the meat is served with lots of different fruits and vegetables, South Africa’s native avocado always shines through as a clear favourite.
A perfect accompaniment to your barbecue (or braai) is guacamole, great as a side dip or with a burger. However, there is fierce argument in South Africa about what should go into the perfect guacamole. Visitwww.summeravocados.com to find a whole host of recipes, or enter your own special guacamole recipe for a chance to win a South African braai!
In the meantime, try giving this simple guacamole recipe a go:
Ingredients:
2 ripe Summer Avocados
1 clove garlic
1 red chilli
Handful chopped coriander
Juice of one lime
½ small red onion finely chopped
salt and pepper
Method:
- Finely chop the garlic, onion, chilli (seeds removed) and coriander.
- Mash the avocados to a smooth consistency and add in the onion, chilli, garlic and coriander.
- Mix together along with the juice of a lime.
- Season to taste.
Or try this more exotic version:
Tequila guacamole dip
2 just ripe Summer Avocados
juice of 1 lime
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tomato, seeded and finely chopped
125ml (½ cup) fresh coriander, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
splash of tequila
- Mash the avocado in a bowl and stir in the lime juice with a fork until creamy.
- Fold in the shallots, garlic, tomato, coriander, jalapeño and season. Mix in the tequila cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
3 Serve with tortillas
Notes to editors:
Did you know?
Avocados are packed with nutrients, including:
• Folate, which promotes healthy cell and tissue development
• Fibre, which is good for lowering cholesterol and maintaining a healthy heart
• Potassium (they are a richer source than bananas!)
• Magnesium and phosphorus
• Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Niacin
• Antioxidants, to protect the body from free radicals that cause deterioration and ageing; and
• Mono-unsaturates – the fat that helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol).
And contrary to popular belief, avocados aren’t fattening: half an avocado contains just 138 calories!
The Summer Avocado season runs from April to October.
For further information and more delicious Summer Avocado recipes and images, please contact:
Zarya Deighton/Helena Velliades
Richmond Towers Communications
26 Fitzroy Square
London, W1T 6BT
Tel: 020 7388 7421
Email: zarya@rt-com.com Helena@rt-com.com
With record-breaking temperatures forecast for Britain this summer, men up and down the country are sure to be reaching for their aprons, donning their chef hats and firing up the grill – and their South African counterparts will be doing the same. A huge national tradition, the braai ritual is taken very seriously and, just like the Brits (who are notoriously glued to their barbecues come rain or shine), South Africans will braai whatever the weather.
Everything from T-bone steaks to fish, karoo oysters (deer testicles) and boerewors (farm sausage) can be cooked on the braai. Although the meat is served with lots of different fruits and vegetables, South Africa’s native avocado always shines through as a clear favourite.
A perfect accompaniment to your barbecue (or braai) is guacamole, great as a side dip or with a burger. However, there is fierce argument in South Africa about what should go into the perfect guacamole. Visitwww.summeravocados.com to find a whole host of recipes, or enter your own special guacamole recipe for a chance to win a South African braai!
In the meantime, try giving this simple guacamole recipe a go:
Ingredients:
2 ripe Summer Avocados
1 clove garlic
1 red chilli
Handful chopped coriander
Juice of one lime
½ small red onion finely chopped
salt and pepper
Method:
- Finely chop the garlic, onion, chilli (seeds removed) and coriander.
- Mash the avocados to a smooth consistency and add in the onion, chilli, garlic and coriander.
- Mix together along with the juice of a lime.
- Season to taste.
Or try this more exotic version:
Tequila guacamole dip
2 just ripe Summer Avocados
juice of 1 lime
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 tomato, seeded and finely chopped
125ml (½ cup) fresh coriander, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
splash of tequila
- Mash the avocado in a bowl and stir in the lime juice with a fork until creamy.
- Fold in the shallots, garlic, tomato, coriander, jalapeño and season. Mix in the tequila cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
3 Serve with tortillas
Notes to editors:
Did you know?
Avocados are packed with nutrients, including:
• Folate, which promotes healthy cell and tissue development
• Fibre, which is good for lowering cholesterol and maintaining a healthy heart
• Potassium (they are a richer source than bananas!)
• Magnesium and phosphorus
• Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Niacin
• Antioxidants, to protect the body from free radicals that cause deterioration and ageing; and
• Mono-unsaturates – the fat that helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol).
And contrary to popular belief, avocados aren’t fattening: half an avocado contains just 138 calories!
The Summer Avocado season runs from April to October.
For further information and more delicious Summer Avocado recipes and images, please contact:
Zarya Deighton/Helena Velliades
Richmond Towers Communications
26 Fitzroy Square
London, W1T 6BT
Tel: 020 7388 7421
Email: zarya@rt-com.com Helena@rt-com.com
