Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and if you’re South African, that can only mean one thing: braai time. United by culture and fuelled by flavour, the spirit of Mzansi is as colourful as the streets of Bo-Kaap, as fiery as the spices of Durban and as lively as the soul of Soweto. This Heritage Month, we celebrate those homegrown hallmarks the only way we know how: through food and fire. With the versatility of pork and Cape Herb & Spice seasonings, four local and lekker dishes with a braai twist are brought to life in these Heritage recipes.
Local & Lekker
From Cape Malay to traditional Nguni to Karoo-style, South African cuisine is a blend of hearty and humble cooking. Influenced by local and global flavours, Cape Herb & Spice’s braai-ready seasonings bring the best of both worlds, from Texan Steakhouse Rubs and Steak & Chops Shakers to blends and single spices. And you can never go wrong by adding pork to your plate.
Because life’s too short for bland!
Whether enjoying a midweek dinner, a weekend braai or a Sunday roast, pork is the ideal protein choice. With its versatility and cost-effectiveness, it’s convenient and great for entertaining friends and family over the long weekend. From green bean bredie to pulled pork vetkoek and golden jaffles, infuse smoky goodness into everyday elements and make memorable meals with these delicious Heritage recipes because life’s too short for bland.
Peri Peri Pulled Pork Vetkoek with Braaied Pineapple Atchar
Besides braai and the Bokke, nothing unites South Africans more than vetkoek. Stuffed with peri peri pulled pork and topped with spicy braaied pineapple atchar, this tasty take proves that there’s absolutely nothing this cultural staple can’t do.
Vetkoek always hits the spot!
Whether enjoyed on midweek winter evenings or at weekend sporting events, vetkoek always hits the spot! Deep-fried to golden perfection, crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, this classic bread goes with almost any filling. For an elevated take, it’s filled with peri peri pulled pork, made using the shoulder cut, which ensures it’s juicy and succulent. The pork shoulder is first seasoned with Cape Herb & Spice Portuguese Peri Peri Rub and Smoked Paprika, giving it a fiery, flavourful profile, then browned, steeped in stock and slow-roasted in the oven until juicy and fork-tender, then finally shredded. Before savouring this meaty delight, top it with homemade braaied pineapple atchar, which lends the perfect balance of sweetness to the spicy, savoury filling. Delish!
Recipe for Peri Peri Pulled Pork Vetkoek with Braaied Pineapple Atchar
Braaied Pork & Green Bean Bredie
Bredie is more than a simple stew. It’s the kind of dish your belly craves in the heart of winter. It’s the dish expats think of when they miss home or their mother. It’s the taste of comfort.
Perfect for family feasts and slow weekends.
Traditionally stewed with seasonal greens and red meat, this local favourite incorporates braaied pork and stewed green beans, taking this homespun classic to delicious heights. The braaied pork, which is seasoned with Cape Herb & Spice Steak & Chops Shaker and Smoked Paprika, adds a smoky flavour that blends beautifully once added to the stew. For tender pieces of meat, use pork neck, which is great for braised dishes and stews. Warming spices like cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg are tossed into the mix and cooked with green beans, garlic, onion, tomato paste and stock. Simmered and sprinkled with salt and heaps of black pepper, the velvety gravy brings everything together in this hearty dish. The fluffy baby potatoes add another tasty element. For a textural delight, serve with fire-charred greens and braai-ready roosterkoek. Perfect for family feasts and slow weekends, this stew celebrates the best of Karoo comfort. Savoured alongside a local wine, it’s pure magic!
Recipe for Braaied Pork & Green Bean Bredie
Sweet & Smoky Pork Mince Jaffles
Trade regular braai broodjies for these savoury-meets-sweet meat jaffles. Loaded with pork mince, melted mature cheddar and roasted onion and tomato relish, they’re sensational.
Take one big bite for that satisfying cheese pull.
Ignited by fire, jaffles take the everyday toastie and turn it into this iron-clad classic. From church bazaars to renowned restaurants, it’s adored and devoured by all. For a flavour feast, juicy pork mince is seasoned with onion, garlic, thyme and Cape Herb & Spice Sweet & Smoky BBQ Grinder and Smoked Paprika, then caramelised along with tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, creating an umami-rich filling. Easy to prep and versatile, pork mince is ideal for everyday meals, and incorporating other ingredients like sautéed veggies or cheese helps stretch meals. Once loaded onto buttered bread with the sweet and smoky pork filling, grated mature cheddar and roasted tomato and onion relish, it’s fired up and grilled until golden brown. Take one big bite for that satisfying cheese pull and enjoy!
Recipe for Sweet & Smoky Pork Mince Jaffles
Pork Steak Gatsby with Mango Atchar Mayo
The gatsby is arguably the mother of all sandwiches, which is fitting since it hails from the Mother City, Cape Town. Loaded with slap (soft) chips and braaied pork, it’s a proper feast.
Messy and delicious!
Paying homage to one of South Africa’s most popular foods among locals and tourists, this take fuses local flair with global flavour. Pork neck steaks are seasoned with Cape Herb & Spice Texan Steakhouse Rub and Worcestershire sauce for umami flavour, then marinated and braaied to smoky perfection. Once rested, the juicy, tender pork steaks are sliced and stacked onto a roll, along with vinegary slap chips and fresh salad toppings like shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes and onions. The pork neck steak is incredibly juicy and great for making salomies or loaded sandwiches, like this beauty. Drizzled with mango atchar mayo, it’s every bit as messy as it is delicious!
Recipe for Pork Steak Gatsby with Mango Atchar Mayo
Want more? Try these pork-tastic recipes and add flavour with Cape Herb & Spice seasonings. Visit the links below to get more tasty cooking inspiration and explore products.
