We invited the fabulous Naqiyah Mayat, foodie and author of The Beginning, to create her own braai spin on traditional fish and chips for Heritage Day. The result was this flavour-rich braaied fish, served with roast potatoes and rice pilaf.
1kg fish
2 tablespoons coriander seeds
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
5-7 dried red chillis
2 stems curry leaf
1/4 cup peri-peri oil
1 tablespoon ground garlic
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 cup lemon juice
For almond and raisin pilaf:
750ml water
1 cup rice
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons clarified butter or ghee
1/2 cup crushed vermicelli
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons almonds, toasted and finely sliced
1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
For herbed mixed potatto:
500g each of 3 varieties of potato (we recommend baby, roasting and sweet potato)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
2 stalks thyme
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
For yoghurt and mint sauce:
Yoghurt
Handful of mint leaves
Salt to taste
1 clove garlic
Pinch of sugar
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Almond and raisin pilaf:
Herbed mixed potato with yoghurt and mint sauce:
When buying fish, ask for a firm white fish and request that the fishmonger butterflies it – this way all the spices and marinade can get into the flesh.
Braaing fish on the bone helps to hold it all together. If you're nervous about braaing a full fish, simply wrap in foil and turn as necessary.
If preparing potato and rice as sides, these can all be prepared on your Megamaster braai. It's a good idea to use a Megamaster pot alongside the fish so everything will be ready at the same time.