As we celebrate Heritage Month, the home-grown South African avocado deserves a place at the heart of the celebrations, especially on Heritage Day, or Braai Day, when friends and family come together around the fire to enjoy good food and each other’s company.
From bunny chow and bobotie to chakalaka, potjiekos and shisa nyama, food plays an important role in celebrating our diverse heritage. But when Heritage Day rolls around, the braai takes centre stage.
Also see: The surprising health benefits of avocados
It’s a uniquely South African tradition that brings people together around the coals, with a table filled with much-loved favourites, and adding an avo is the perfect way to bring freshness, colour and flavour to the occasion.
And you don’t need an elaborate spread to enjoy avo this Heritage Day. It can be served simply alongside what’s already on the menu, making it an easy and delicious addition to the braai table.
For South Africans looking to celebrate on a budget, it’s such a versatile and value-for-money ingredient that can help turn a few simple dishes into something special.
Creamy, buttery and wonderfully versatile, both green-skinned and dark-skinned avocados can be served in a variety of ways. Sliced alongside boerewors or chicken, smashed into a chunky guacamole, diced into chakalaka or added to a fresh salad, avo complements the rich, smoky flavours of the braai without adding extra fuss.
For those looking to give their Heritage Day braai an avo-inspired twist, there are plenty of delicious ideas to try. Avo Chakalaka adds a new dimension to a much-loved South African favourite, while Braaied Corn and Avo Pasta Rice combines smoky flavours with fresh avo. Baked Potatoes with Whipped Bacon Avo Sauce makes a moreish side, while Sweet and Spicy Avo and Guava Salad brings vibrant colour and flavour to the table.
So, this Heritage Month, celebrate South Africa’s rich and diverse food heritage with the people you love and the flavours you know and enjoy. And when the coals are glowing and the table is being set for Heritage Day, make sure there’s room for a little Mzansi green. After all, when it comes to the braai, local is lekker – especially with an avo on the side.
After all, when it comes to the braai, local is lekker – especially with an avo on the side.
Baked Potatoes with Whipped Bacon Avo Sauce
Serves 6 as a side
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
– 6 large potatoes
– Avocado or olive oil, for cooking
– Salt and pepper
– 200 g streaky bacon, chopped
– 3 avocados, sliced
– Juice of 1 large lemon
– 2 garlic cloves, crushed
– 30 ml (2 tbsp) chives, chopped
METHOD:
1. Microwave the potatoes for about 15 minutes, turning halfway, or until a sharp knife pierces
them easily. Cool slightly.
2. Rub each potato with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap individually in tinfoil. Braai over medium coals (or bake at 200° C) for about 45 minutes, turning often, until the skins are crunchy and flesh is soft.
3. Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan over medium and fry the bacon for about 7 minutes, turning, until crisp. Drain, reserving the bacon fat.
4. Blitz ¾ of the avocados, lemon juice, garlic and bacon fat until smooth. Fold in half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the whipped avocado sauce on the baked potatoes. Top with remaining avocado slices and sprinkle with remaining bacon and chives. Serve immediately.
For further information and avo recipes, visit
www.avocado.co.za
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Also see: Why avocado belongs in every meal
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