South Africa is a land of diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and – maybe MOST importantly – mouthwatering cuisine. One thing that unites us all, regardless of our backgrounds, is our love for the great outdoors and the quintessential South African pastime: the braai. There’s just something special about gathering around the fire with friends and family, the “lekker” aroma of sizzling meat filling the air, and the promise of good times ahead. But why stick to the same old braai fare (though delicious) when you can add a unique local twist to your outdoor cooking adventures? Join us as we explore the fusion of tradition and innovation with Camp Master, your ultimate culinary companion for braai adventures. We’re taking on local SA faves with a campfire cooking twist. Tuck in, Camp Masters!
The Art of the Braai
Ah, the braai – it’s more than just a meeting of briquettes to grids; it’s a way of life. From the crackling flames to the camaraderie it inspires, there’s nothing quite like it. But to truly master the art of the braai, you need the right tools for the job. That’s where Camp Master comes in. With our durable yet affordable camping gear, you’ll be ready to take your outdoor cooking game to the next level. Take a look at some of our specialised braai tools to get planning your outdoor culinary set up.
Bobotie with a Twist
No exploration of South African cuisine would be complete without mentioning bobotie – a fragrant, spiced mince dish topped with a creamy egg custard. But who says you can’t enjoy this classic comfort food while camping? With a few clever tweaks and the right Camp Master gear, you can whip up a delicious campfire bobotie that’s sure to impress even the most discerning foodie.
Ingredients:
- 500g lean beef or lamb mince
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 slices white bread, soaked in milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Bay leaves for garnish
- Oil for cooking
Method:
- Prepare the Fire: Start by building a campfire and allowing it to burn down to hot coals. You’ll want a steady heat source for cooking your bobotie.
- Heat the Cast Iron Bake Pot: Place your over the hot coals to preheat. Make sure it’s well-heated before you start cooking.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add a splash of oil to the preheated bake pot and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Brown the Mince: Add the beef or lamb mince to the pot and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes to toast the spices and release their flavours.
- Incorporate the Bread Mixture: Squeeze any excess milk from the soaked bread slices and add them to the pot, breaking them up with a spoon and mixing them into the meat mixture.
- Add Flavour Enhancers: Stir in the apricot jam, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar to add depth and sweetness to the bobotie. Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavours to meld together.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until well combined. This will be used as the topping for the bobotie.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the meat mixture is cooked through and flavourful, remove the pot from the heat. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top of the meat mixture in the pot. Place a few bay leaves on top for garnish.
- Bake Over the Campfire: Return the pot to the campfire, cover with the lid, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning – you may need to adjust the heat by adding or removing coals as necessary with these handy log tongs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the bobotie is cooked to perfection, remove it from the fire and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and serve with rice, chutney, and a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious campfire bobotie with friends and family!
Malva Pudding Under the Stars
For dessert, why not indulge in a South African classic: malva pudding? This sticky, sweet treat is the perfect way to end a meal, especially when enjoyed under the stars. With Camp Master’s cooking equipment, you can easily transform this beloved dessert into a campfire masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup cream
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup hot water
Method:
- Prepare the Fire: Start by building a campfire and allowing it to burn down to optimal “braai temperature.”
- Mix Ingredients in the Enamel Bowl: In the Camp Master enamel bowl, mix together the sugar and eggs until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the apricot jam, milk, and vinegar until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt to the wet mixture, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan or over the campfire, melt the butter. Once melted, add it to the batter along with the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Grease the Enamel Bowl: Use a little extra butter or cooking spray to grease the Camp Master enamel bowl to prevent sticking.
- Pour Batter into the Bowl: Pour the batter into the greased bowl, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the cream, sugar, butter, and hot water. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Pour Sauce Over the Batter: Carefully pour the sauce over the batter in the enamel bowl. The sauce will sink into the pudding as it bakes, creating a rich, gooey texture.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the enamel bowl with a lid or aluminium foil to trap the heat inside. Place the bowl over the hot coals of the campfire and bake for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Check for Doneness: After about 45 minutes, check the pudding by inserting a skewer into the centre. If it comes out clean, the pudding is done. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the Malva Pudding is cooked through, remove it from the fire and let it cool slightly before serving. Spoon the warm pudding into bowls and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the bottom of the enamel bowl. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy your delicious campfire Malva Pudding under the stars!
Bunny Chow by the Fire
Last but not least, we have bunny chow – a culinary delight that originated in the Indian communities of South Africa. Traditionally served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread and filled with curry, this portable feast is a must-try for any braai enthusiast. With Camp Master’s help, you can recreate this iconic dish at your campsite and experience the unique flavours of South African Indian fusion.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of unsliced white bread (preferably a round or long loaf)
- 500g chicken, lamb, or beef curry (pre-cooked)
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Method:
- Prepare the Fire: Start by building a campfire and allowing it to burn down to hot coals. You know the drill.
- Prep the Bread Loaf: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top of the bread loaf to create a lid. Set the lid aside and hollow out the centre of the loaf, leaving about a 3cm border around the edges and bottom to create a “bowl” for the curry.
- Cook the Curry: In the Camp Master cast iron bread pot, heat the vegetable oil over the campfire. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in the diced tomatoes, potatoes, and carrots, and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle the curry powder over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and enhance their flavour.
- Incorporate the Protein: Add the pre-cooked chicken, lamb, or beef curry to the pot, stirring well to combine with the vegetables and spices. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
- Fill the Bread Bowl: Carefully spoon the hot curry mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, filling it to the top. Replace the bread lid on top of the loaf to cover the curry.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the filled bread loaf tightly in aluminium foil, making sure to seal the edges securely. This will help trap the heat inside and ensure that the curry stays warm and flavourful.
- Heat Over the Fire: Place the foil-wrapped bread pot on a grill rack or directly onto the hot coals of the campfire. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully unwrap the foil and remove the bread pot from the fire. Using a sharp knife, cut the filled bread loaf into individual portions, making sure each serving includes a generous amount of curry filling. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious campfire Bunny Chow – South Africa’s ultimate comfort food!
Essential Braai Gear from Camp Master
Of course, no braai would be complete without the right gear. From portable grills to cooking utensils, Camp Master has everything you need to elevate your outdoor cooking experience. With their durable construction and affordable prices, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying delicious food with good company. Check out our full campfire cooking range here.
Let’s braai!
In conclusion, South Africa’s rich culinary heritage is best enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by nature and good company. With Camp Master by your side, you can take your braai game to the next level and experience the true flavours of our rainbow nation, cooked your way, on your braai. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the coals, gather your friends and family, and let the braai adventures begin! Gear up at a Game, Makro or Builders Warehouse near you.