Entree: South Africa – South African Braai – Braai Broodjies (Grilled South African toasted sandwich filled with cheese, tomato, onion and chutney)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 8 min

Total 18 min

Ingredients

- 8 slices sandwich bread (white) (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 8 oz (225 g) mature cheddar cheese, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced (about 10 oz / 285 g)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 4 oz / 115 g)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) fruit chutney (such as Mrs. Ball's)
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) coarse salt
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking spray or a little extra butter for the grill/pan

Instructions

1. Preheat the braai grid, cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over medium heat until hot. If using a braai, oil the grid lightly or prepare a sandwich press.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice evenly. If using mustard, spread mustard on the unbuttered sides of four slices.
3. Assemble four sandwiches: mustard side (if using) up, layer cheddar slices to cover the bread, add tomato slices, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, add onion slices, spoon 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) chutney onto each, then top with more cheese and the remaining bread slice, buttered side out.
4. Place sandwiches on the hot grill or skillet. If possible, press lightly with a cast-iron press or weighted spatula. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, or until bread is deep golden and cheese is melted; for a braai, watch closely and move to cooler parts of the grid to avoid burning.
5. Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, let rest 1 minute, then cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately with extra chutney for dipping.