Tired of the same old braai sides?

reflecting and, of course, eating well. While the meat often steals the spotlight, the sides deserve just as much attention.

If you are tired of the usual pap, chakalaka and coleslaw making the same appearance every weekend, this New Year is the perfect time to shake things up. With a few creative twists and some unexpected ingredients, your braai table can feel exciting again. Here are easy but impressive side dishes, including spiced-up classics to add colour, flavour and fun as you welcome the year ahead.

Fire-Grilled Corn with Chilli Butter

Ingredients

• 4 mealies (corn on the cob)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 small garlic clove, crushed
• Chilli flakes or peri-peri (to taste)
• Salt and lemon juice

Method

Grill the corn over medium heat, turning until lightly charred and cooked through. Mix butter with garlic, chilli and salt. Brush generously over the hot corn and finish with a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Warm Three-Bean Braai Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup green beans, blanched
• 1 tin sugar beans, drained
• 1 tin butter beans, drained
• 1 onion, sliced
• Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper

Method

Sauté onion in olive oil until soft. Add all beans and heat through. Stir in vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Serve warm as a hearty braai side.

Garlic & Cheese Braai Bread Rolls

Ingredients

• 6 bread rolls
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup grated cheese
• Chopped parsley (optional)

Method

Mix butter and garlic. Slice rolls and spread generously. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley. Wrap in foil and heat on the braai until the cheese melts and the bread is soft inside.

Cucumber & Tomato Sambal with Fresh Herbs

Ingredients

• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander or parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt

Method

Combine all vegetables in a bowl. Add herbs, a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of olive oil and salt to taste. Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Caramelised Onion & Mushroom Skillet

Ingredients

• 2 large onions, sliced
• 250 g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Black pepper
• Fresh thyme or rosemary

Method

Cook onions slowly in oil or butter until soft and golden. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. Splash in soy sauce, season with pepper and herbs, then serve hot.