Markus Andrews

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    You Need To Make This Yummy Cauliflower Recipe With A South African Twist

    Looking for a delicious cauliflower recipe with some South African flair? You’ve come to the right place because this recipe delivers all of that goodness in spades!

    READ MORE: Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

    This recipe is from Mokgadi Itsweng’s debut cookbook, Veggielicious, and it’s a cookbook worth investing in. Filled with tons of recipes that will help you eat more veggies and enjoy plant-based meals, you’re guaranteed to find some new faves.

    But now for the best part. Mokgadi uses indigenous ingredients that are often overlooked or forgotten (think: impepho in this recipe) and prioritises making affordable meals. We’re huge fans of hers and you will be too!

    READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

    The Secret SA Ingredient In This Cauliflower Recipe

    It’s Impepho, of course! “Impepho or wild sage is an indigenous African herb that is widely used by traditional healers in spiritual prayer rituals. The herb is also used as an antifungal, antiseptic and anti-anxiety medicine,” explains Itsweng.

    And seriously, Impepho adds so much flavour to any food it is smoked with. “I use a kettle braai for smoking, but you can follow the quick smoking hack that I have included in the recipe,” says Itsweng.

    3 Essentials You’ll Use In This Recipe

    Le Creuset Venus Basting Brush

    Nothing beats a good basting brush, and this one will serve you well for years to come because it’s very high quality.

    Severin Smoothie Mix & Go Blender

    We love this all-in-one smoothie maker and blender that you can use to blend red peppers for this recipe.

    Weber 37cm Smokey Joe Kettle Braai

    This kettle braai might be small but it packs a punch. So take it along for picnics, braais or camping trips.

    READ MORE: How To Braai Like A Pro

    Impepho Smoked Cauliflower With Red Pepper Sauce

    Mokgadi Itsweng

    Impepho adds so much flavour to any food it is smoked with. And it will seriously up the ante on this cauliflower that will be the stand-out side at your next gathering.

    Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

    Course Side DishCuisine South African, Vegetarian

    Servings 6 people

    1 Kettle braai1 Saucepan1 Blender
    1 whole Cauliflower headHandful of dried impepho herb, for smoking the cauliflower1 clove Garlic, crushed¼ cup Olive oilSalt and pepper to tasteSauce2 Red peppers, left whole2 Tbsp Olive oil1 clove Garlic, crushed1 Tbsp Smoked paprika¼ cup Lemon juice1 Tbsp Brown sugarSalt and pepper to tasteHandful of fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
    Preheat the oven to 200 °C.Bring a saucepan of water with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt to a boil, then add the cauliflower head. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.Smoke the cauliflower by placing a hot charcoal disk inside a small foil container, then adding a handful of dried impepho herb. When the impepho starts smoking, place it inside a kettle braai with the cauliflower. Close the kettle braai lid and allow to smoke for at least 10-15 minutes. Remove from the kettle braai and set aside. Quick hack: Use your oven as a smoker. Place the impepho on an oven tray, light it and when it starts to smoke place the tray on the bottom rack of the oven. Then place the cauliflower on the rack directly above the impepho. Close the oven and allow to smoke for 5-10 minutes.Mix the garlic with the olive oil and brush over the whole cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until crisp on the outside.While the cauliflower is roasting, make the sauce by first roasting the peppers in the oven until the skins are blackened.Remove the peppers from the oven and place in a bowl, cover with clingwrap and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Once cooled, peel the skins off and blend the peppers, then set aside.Heat the oil, then add the garlic and paprika, and cook for 2 minutes on medium heat. Add the blended peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure that the sauce doesn’t stick and burn.Add the lemon juice and brown sugar, cook for a further 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.To serve, slice the cauliflower into steaks or leave whole, then place on a platter. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and top with chopped herbs.

    Keyword braai, dinner, starter, vegetarian

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    in fitness and body

    6 Genius Fitness Hacks From TikTok Sensation Megan Shongwe

    We all know that taking care of our bodies is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too. And who better to guide us on this journey to a healthier lifestyle than the TikTok sensation and fitness guru, Megan Shongwe? With over 5 million views on her videos and some groundbreaking fitness hacks, Megan is here to help us energise our bodies and minds.

    Did you know? Life hacks like #GymTok, which ranks third in South Africa, have an impressive 222 billion views.

    Life can be a whirlwind of work commitments and personal obligations, leaving us drained and with little motivation to hit the gym. But Megan’s unique approach to fitness is all about making it fun and enjoyable. She believes that a healthy lifestyle should be a joyful journey and we couldn’t agree more.

    READ MORE: 10 South African TikTok Fitness Accounts That’ll Give You ALL The Motivation You Need

    1. Schedule Your Workouts

    First up, Megan recommends treating your exercise sessions like essential appointments. We’re all busy, but if you want to make fitness a part of your life, you’ve got to plan for it. Block off specific time slots dedicated solely to exercise and stick to them religiously. This way, you’ll create a routine that’s hard to break.

    2. Consistency and Discipline

    Consistency is key when it comes to building those muscles and achieving your fitness goals. Megan suggests starting or ending your day with 45 minutes to an hour of exercise. Find a time slot that fits your schedule and make it non-negotiable. The results will speak for themselves!

    3. Office Stretches or Light Workouts

    If you’re stuck at the office all day, don’t fret. Megan has a solution for that too. Incorporate exercise into your workday by doing light stretches and going for short walks. These breaks not only improve your overall work functionality but also contribute to your overall health. A win-win, right?

    READ MORE: Here’s How To Make The Viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad

    4. Set Realistic Goals

    Megan swears by setting goals with specific timeframes. Having clear objectives keeps her motivated and on track. So, whether it’s running a certain distance or lifting a specific weight, setting achievable goals can help you stay focused and driven.

    5. Enhanced Mental Well-being

    Remember, a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about the physical gains. It’s also about your mental well-being. Exercise releases those fabulous “feel-good” hormones called endorphins. They’re like your body’s natural mood boosters, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and even depression. So, get moving and smile more!

    6. Improved Physical Fitness

    Embracing a healthy lifestyle has allowed Megan to discover her body’s incredible capabilities. She feels stronger, both physically and mentally, which has given her the confidence to tackle new challenges. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling unstoppable!

    READ MORE: Um, People On TikTok Are Eating The Peels Of Fruit & Veggies – And They’re So Good

    TikTok Made Us Do It

    TikTok has become a hub for educational content and users are actively seeking tips and tricks in various categories, from food and beauty to life hacks, DIY and education. It’s a platform where you can learn, grow and be inspired to live your best life.

    Follow Women’s Health to get expert health advice, the latest fitness gear unboxings, #WHToughTalks and so much more. We can also recommend the #TikTokThatsHau hashtag. It’s a gateway to a diverse world of content, a wellspring of invaluable information and a portal to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion. More

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    Here’s How Better With Balance Influencer Michaela Mallett Healed Her Relationship With Food

    Healing your relationship with food while trying to lose weight is no easy task. Just ask influencer Michaela Mallett, who’s known for her healthy eating hacks on Insta. She managed to heal her eating habits and shed 22kg in the process. Here’s how.

    The gain

    When Michaela Mallett, 28, signed up to study culinary arts, she didn’t expect it to worsen her existing binge-eating disorder. In high school, she’d begun a cycle of restrictive eating which eventually led to binge-eating. During her time studying, she was once placed in a restaurant where she was the only chef in the pastry department. It set her off on one of her biggest binges – eating 17 croissants in one sitting. In a YouTube video about her binge eating disorder, Michaela Mallett details how this became a pivotal moment for her. “It was one of the big binges that made me realise that something was wrong and I needed to get help,” she shares.

    READ MORE: The Healthiest Times To Eat If You Want To Lose Weight

    Despite this, Michaela continued her restrictive dieting, followed by periods of binge eating. “My bingeing kind of went up and down. I would have several reverse transformations a year. I would basically lose a good couple of kilograms and then I’d gain double, if not triple the amount of weight. It got to a point where I was like, 20kgs going up and down,” she explains. At her heaviest, Michaela weighed 80kgs. 

    [embedded content]

    The change

    Things eventually came to a head and Michaela checked herself into rehab for a month. But she felt that the experience didn’t give her the tools to really heal her relationship with food. “Although it was very controlled and very structured, I still felt like it didn’t teach me how I would get better when I left rehab,” she explains. 

    After being discharged, Michaela decided to try something different. She opted to take in all the calories she would usually eat. But this time, eat them healthily. She opted for whole foods instead of junk food. She also incorporated structure into her mealtimes by eating at scheduled times, thus not allowing herself to become hungry and binge. “I would have loads of potatoes, butternut, vegetables, lean protein, obviously still incorporating whole grains, fruits and vegetables,” she says. 

    To feel like she was restricting herself, she also prioritised dessert. “Every single night before I went to bed, I would have ice cream or fruit and yoghurt with crushed biscuits, or a cupcake, or whatever it was that I felt like on the day. I just had to make sure that the dessert was incorporated.”

    Michaela Mallett, now at 58kg

    A healthier her

    It took her between 10 months and a year to finally feel like she was healing her relationship with food. While her goal was never to lose weight, she found herself in the sustainable, healthy weight of 58kgs and is now able to maintain that through healthy food. 

    Through her qualification from Precision Nutrition, Micheala has set up a coaching business where she’s a lifestyle and weight loss coach who helps others heal their relationship with food. And she swears by healthy eating habits. “It definitely comes back down to building the lifestyle and that’s also where a lot of people struggle. They want the weight to come off but they’re not willing to build the habits that come with a healthier lifestyle. And that’s exactly me as well, I kept going back to gaining and losing because the lifestyle wasn’t there.” Now, she helps others smash their #BodyGoals – dessert and all.

    READ MORE: “I’m Not Healed From My Binge Eating Disorder, But I See Food As Fuel Now”

    Michaela’s tips

    Get Support 

    “You need to have a good support team, be it coaches, family or your partner.”

    Develop A Routine

    “Focus on your habits and your day-to-day routine. Knowing what time you’re waking up, going to gym, having your meals and delegating tasks throughout the day is important.”

    Prep Your Meals

    “If, for instance, you have a crazy life in a corporate job, making sure that you’re prepared for the day really helps a lot.” More

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    This Crunchy, Buttery Macadamia Nut Pie Is So Satisfying

    Fun fact for you: while macadamia nuts hail from Australia, South Africa is the largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world. To celebrate, why not make this crunchy and buttery macadamia nut pie?

    South Africa has much to be proud of in terms of macadamia nut production. The sector employs nearly 30,000 people across the value chain. Over 700 farmers grow the nuts, with growing regions expanding rapidly across the country.

    And while the nuts are in abundance here in SA, they’re also choc-a-block full of benefits. With one serving, you’ll get 58% of your recommended daily allowance of manganese. You’ll also get 9% of magnesium, as well as iron and vitamin B6.

    They’re also high in monounsaturated fats, the kind that’s good for your heart and even lowers your LDL, or the “bad” kind of cholesterol.

    In this macadamia nut pie, you’ll be serving yourself up a portion of antioxidants. These nix free radicals in the body, boost your brain health and stave off disease.

    Macadamia nuts boast some of the highest flavonoid levels of all tree nuts. This antioxidant fights inflammation and helps lower cholesterol. Plus, regularly eating macadamia nuts may reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and contribute to lower, more stable blood sugar levels.

    Here, get those benefits with this delicious, buttery macadamia nut pie.

    Macadamia Nut Pie

    This macadamia nut pie is buttery, crunchy and oh-so satisfying.

    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 39 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    1 ready made pie crust, pressed into a pie dish3 large eggs1 cup syrup or honey1/2 cup sugar2 tbsp butter melted1 tsp vanilla extract2 cups chopped macadamia nuts roasted and unsalted
    In a bowl, beat the eggs, syrup, sugar, butter and vanilla until combined.Stir in the nuts. Pour into crust.Bake at 160°C for 50-55 minutes or until centre is set and the top is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

    Keyword macadamia nut pie

    Easy as pie

    Get more from your baking experience with these essentials.

    Babylonstoren Raw Macadamia Nuts

    Roast these nuts in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to your pie.

    KitchenCraft Round Pie Dish

    This pretty-as-a-picture dish is homemade and goes from oven to table in style.

    Country Road Nolan Cake Serving Set

    Serve up your delicious creation with these golden tools. More

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    Magnesium Is Brilliant For Sleep And Cramps – Here’s How To Get Enough Of It

    Amid wellness trends like sea moss and custard apples, there’s one classic yet oh-so-important nutrient dominating the industry: magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods are continuously trending on Google as people take to the search engine to find the simplest ways to top up on this nutrient – but do you know exactly why it’s so important?

    ‘Magnesium is an essential mineral that is involved in over 600 cellular reactions in the body, from supporting brain function to maintaining a healthy heartbeat and making DNA,’ says nutritionist Eli Brecher.

    Sounds important, right? Yet, up to 30% of people are at risk of low magnesium levels.

    What are the benefits of magnesium?

    As Brecher said, magnesium is associated with many, many processes in the body. But getting enough of it comes with certain benefits, including:

    Exercise performance

    A study from the University of East Anglia looked at 2,570 women aged 18 to 79 years old and found that those who had the highest intake of magnesium had more muscle mass and power. It was even shown to be more important than protein intake when it came to improving fat-free mass.

    PMS reduction

    A report from the Magnesium Research Journal found that magnesium supplementation can prevent or reduce symptoms of dysmenorrhea, PMS and menstrual migraines.

    READ MORE:5 Quick-Fix Food Remedies That Do Everything From Flatten Abs To Tame PMS

    Muscle support

    Magnesium is thought to be effective at reducing muscle cramping, with a 2021 Nutrition Journal study reporting that magnesium improved nighttime leg cramping in sufferers. Meanwhile, the reduction in PMS pain includes stomach cramps, as it’s thought to reduce uterus cramping.

    Improved sleep

    Magnesium is a popular pre-bed supplement and, according to The Sleep Foundation, magnesium may relax the central nervous system and cause chemical reactions in the body that increase sleepiness. A 2021 paper reported that older adults with insomnia who took 500 milligrams of magnesium a day for eight weeks fell asleep fast, stayed asleep longer, reduced nighttime awakenings and increased their levels of naturally circulating melatonin.

    Foods high in magnesium

    According to Brecher, the best foods for magnesium include:

    Green leafy vegetables like spinach (around 12mg of magnesium per 100g) and kale (44g of magnesium per 100g)

    Pumpkin seeds (262mg per 100g) and flax seeds (392mg per 100g)

    Almonds (285mg per 100g) and cashews (292mg per 100g)

    Avocado (58mg per medium fruit)

    Dark chocolate (232mg per 100g)

    Wholemeal bread (82mg per 100g)

    But did you know you can get extra magnesium by absorbing it through the skin?

    “Adding some Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) to a bath is a great way to soothe sore muscles and aid recovery after exercise while winding down in the evening,” says Brecher.

    READ MORE: 10 Signs You May Have a Magnesium Deficiency

    How to make sure you get enough magnesium

    Before you start adding more magnesium to your diet, check if you’re already getting enough. ‘The UK recommended daily allowance for magnesium is 300mg for men and 270mg for women,’ says Brecher.

    ‘In theory, you can get all the magnesium you need from a healthy, balanced diet. However, so many of us don’t eat a balanced diet – at least not consistently, day in, day out – and many of us are not meeting our daily requirements for magnesium.’

    There are a couple of ways you can help your body make the most of your magnesium intake:

    Pair it with vitamin B6

    The amount of vitamin B6 in the body determines how much magnesium will be absorbed. So, if you take a multivitamin containing B vitamins, or a B-vitamin complex, take this alongside eating your magnesium-rich foods to optimise absorption,’ says Brecher.

    Time your other minerals

    ‘Taking zinc supplements and eating calcium-rich foods at the same time as magnesium-rich foods both reduce how much magnesium you absorb, so it’s a good idea to have these at different times,’ Brecher adds.

    Get the right supplement

    There are many types of magnesium, so if you think it’s time to test a supplement, make sure you choose the right one.

    ‘For example, magnesium glycinate may be helpful for sleep and anxiety, magnesium threonate may support brain function, magnesium malate may help support energy levels, while magnesium citrate can have a slight laxative effect, so may be helpful for constipation,’ says Brecher.

    There are some people who need to be more cautious than others when it comes to their magnesium intake. ‘People following a restricted diet (low in vegetables and nuts) may not be getting enough magnesium in their diet, and low magnesium levels are more common in older adults, as magnesium absorption from the gut decreases with age.

    ‘Certain gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s and coeliac disease have been associated with magnesium deficiency, and various medications may deplete magnesium or make it harder to absorb, including blood pressure medications, antibiotics or diuretics,’ explains Brecher.

    Adding Supplements To Your Diet

    And before anyone starts changing their diet or adding supplements, it’s always best to check in with your GP. Overdoing the magnesium can cause diarrhoea, according to the NHS, so it’s important not to eat too much. ‘Magnesium can also interact with common medications, so always speak to a healthcare professional before taking supplements,’ advises Brecher.

    Solal Magnesium Glycinate

    The Real Thing Tri-Mag

    This article was originally published by Chloe Gray on Women’s Health UK.

    Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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    Try These Veggie Sosaties Even Meat Lovers Will Love

    Delicious kebabs are a must-have at any South African braai. And these veggie sosaties from cookbook author Mynie Steffens, will impress vegetarians and meat lovers alike. So let’s get braaing!

    READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

    The recipe for these veggie sosaties is from Mynie Steffens, a self-confessed braai addict who has been cooking over coals since she was only 10!

    Whether you’re a braai newbie or a seasoned first-starter, you can still learn new tricks the Mynie way. Mynie Plays With Fire is jam-packed with easy recipes, curated braai-tasting menus, themed menus, playlists and fun facts. So you’ll definitely be the hostess with the mostess this Heritage Day. *Adds to cart*

    3 Must-Have Braai Essentials We Swear By

    Le Creuset Venus Basting Brush

    The bristles on this basting brush are designed to work like a real bristle brush. They hold liquids at the top and releasing them slowly towards the tip. This brush is heat resistant for up to 250°C. 

    Cast Iron Multi Grill

    Best for grilling meat, seafood or vegetables with minimal oil. Because of its extremely high heat retention, cast iron is a versatile material that can be used on almost any heat source. 

    Ripple Enamel Oval Roaster White

    You can easily store and serve wonderful warm meals with this grill-to-table roaster. Made of stainless steel and ceramic, it’s a must-have piece of kitchenware for every SA household. 

    READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

    Halloumi and Veggie Sosaties

    Mynie Steffens

    Delicious sosaties are a must-have at any South African braai. These veggie ones from self-confessed braai addict, Mynie Steffens, are guaranteed to impress vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 7 minutes mins

    Course Side DishCuisine South African

    Servings 6 people

    6 Cherry tomatoes1 Red onion, halved from top to bottom and each half cut into 3 chunks1 Yellow pepper, cut into 3x3cm cubes6 Blocks firm halloumi cheese, cut into 5x5cm blocks6 Medium button mushrooms1 tbsp Salt2 tbsp Fresh rosemary, choppedOlive oil for drizzling
    Skewer one of each vegetable and 1 block of cheese onto a large sosatie stick. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and rosemary.Braai over hot coals for 5–7 minutes (or until the halloumi has browned all over).

    Keyword braai, healthy, kebab, starter, vegetarian More

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    in fitness and body

    How One Personal Trainer Lost 30kg – And Kept It Off

    Trying to lose weight is no easy feat. Almost everything you do comes into play, from working out, eating well and even sleep. But personal trainer Kelly Smith lost 30kg – and kept it off. Here’s exactly how.

    The gain

    At one point personal trainer Kelly Smith, 27, weighed 100kg. She felt uncomfortable in her body and out of place at work – where the super-fit roamed and reigned. “I was instructing people to do all these exercises: push-ups, burpees and thought to myself, ‘I can’t even do that myself’,” she recalls. “What kind of trainer am I when I can’t do anything physically myself? I chose this profession. I need to look the part.” These thoughts formed the impetus that pushed Kelly to pursue weight loss as a goal. To start, she already had access to a free gym membership as a trainer, so she followed the script she’d been handing out to countless clients. 

    But Kelly had a deep-seated penchant that she’d been cheekily avoiding – she loved junk food. She was convinced that she could out-train her diet of Coca-Cola and chips (a habit she’d honed since her tertiary days, where cheap chip rolls were easy to obtain and even easier to consume). During her studies, she’d tuck herself away and enjoy KFC away from prying eyes. Working in the health and fitness space made Kelly ashamed of her habit. “I thought, ‘If I train extra and don’t diet, it’ll be fine,’” she says.

    The change

    As a trainer, her eating habits hadn’t changed much and her fledgling efforts at the gym weren’t showing the results she’d hoped for. So, she enlisted the help of a trainer for extra motivation and found a nutritionist who could curate her diet. “I realised you kind of have to diet to get to where you want to be,” she says. 

    But it was a big change. The first to go? Sugary drinks. As a substitute, Kelly opted for sugar-free options and found healthier substitutes such as protein pumpkin doughnuts, instead of the refined kind. She also recorded everything she ate using a calorie tracking app and kept at it, through trial and error for two years. 

    Her training involved lots of weighted workouts and only 20 minutes of cardio. On top of that, she joined in on the daily HIIT classes she taught. “I think that’s what pushed me to get to my weight loss goal as fast as I did,” shares Kelly. 

    She would send her coach her data and, together, they built options into her menu. So, she could pick between a chicken salad for lunch or tuna and vegetables. They also built ‘fun foods’ into her diet: 200 calories that Kelly could play around with, so she didn’t feel too restricted. This often included chocolate protein bars, something she relished. “This made it enjoyable for me to not keep going back to my old habit of getting quick little takeaways,” she says.

    A new lease on life

    Now at her ideal weight of 70kg and having lost 30kg, Kelly feels fantastic. She also started competing in bikini fitness competitions and has gone on to become successful in her field – having won six gold medals, four overall trophies and even represented South Africa on the world stage. “It’s been a long journey with its fair share of downfalls and uprisings, but I feel it’s a story that a lot of women could be inspired by,” muses Kelly. 

    Kelly’s tips

    Find Substitutes

    “There are substitutes for everything that you like. Yes, it doesn’t taste the same, but spice it up a little and you’ll get there.” 

    Be Consistent

    “Anything is possible once your coach understands you, as well as your training and your eating habits.” 

    Be Accountable

    “I had someone that was checking my form for me, someone motivating me to get to all the things I needed and then in that, found a gym community.” More

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    How To Braai Like A Pro

    Move over boys, we’ve got this!The sun is out which means it’s time to get the fire going this weekend, right? Here are five tips that’ll help you to get the most out of your grill.

    1. The Oil

    Look we all love a good drizzle of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil now and again, but it’s one oil that should be reserved for salads only. The moment the olive oil hits 199°C it starts to degrade, which gives your meats a bitter taste (not to mention it releases toxins). We’ll pass on that, thanks! Rather opt for oils with a higher smoking point, like refined peanut oil (it’s good at 232°C) or avocado oil (it can be heated to 271°C).

    READ MORE: This Braai Dessert Is So Simple Even Kids Can Make It

    2. The Marinade

    Hands up if you marinate your meat in a little alcohol to cut down on carcinogens? FYI – there is an alternative. According to a study, a marinade of garlic, onion and lemon juice reduces heterocyclic amine contamination, a carcinogen created by charcoal flames, by 70%. So, what’s the perfect ratio then? Try two parts garlic and onion to one part lemon. Bonus: It makes for one delicious marinade.

    3. The Sauce

    Ah, tomato sauce, how we do love thee… unfortunately our waistlines don’t. Your fav bottle of tomato sauce contains a quarter sugar. And we have more bad news… that mayo in your potato salad has a whopping 11.5g of fat per tablespoon! But, not all hope is lost. Try swapping mayo for Greek yoghurt and opt for a fresh salsa instead of reaching for tomato sauce. You’ll still get maximum flavour (minus the bad stuff).

    READ MORE: Exactly How To Make The Perfect Pizza On The Braai

    4. The Carving

    Fact: After a long hard week you need a little R&R… your steak is exactly the same. The temperature of meat rises during cooking (obvs) and as it’s heating up, the muscle fibres shrink. This pushes water towards the centre of your meat. If you cut into it as it comes off the braai, all the moisture will pour straight onto your plate. So, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice into that bad boy.

    5. The Kit

    Burn your meat and blame your tools? It might be time to invest in some essential grilling gadgets that will not only elevate your braai game but also make your grilling experience a breeze. Consider adding these must-have braai tools to your arsenal: sturdy braai tongs for precision handling, a reliable basting brush to infuse mouthwatering flavours and quality cleaning equipment to keep your grill in top-notch condition. With the right tools at your disposal, you’ll be on your way to becoming a braai master in no time!

    Grillight Tongs with LED Flashlight

    Mid-week braais, a South African passion, especially during loadshedding. These tongs come equipped with a built-in torch, set to amplify your grilling experience.

    Braai Brush

    Say hello to the guardian of your gleaming braai grid – the braai cleaning brush! Armed with brass bristles, it fearlessly tackles even the most stubborn dirt, while its beech wood handle keeps your cleaning mission a breeze.

    Megamaster Basting Brush And Bowl

    This basting combo? Nails a rock-solid 4.9 out of 5-star rating! “Great, solid strong quality and so affordable. Definitely worth buying. Perfect for the braai! The basting brush cleans easily and is my go-to for all types of cooking and baking.” Charne

    Looking for more ways to up your braai game this summer? Here are 4 low-calorie cocktails to enjoy next to the fire and a delicious braai dessert you need to try. More