This Greek Baby Spinach and Chickpea Salad is a healthy salad that is packed with flavour and so simple to make.

Cuisine: BRAAI TIME – HEALTHY SIDE DISHES
Cook Time:15 – 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ¼ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½  (150g) cucumber, diced
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cups baby spinach leaves, stems removed (or kale leaves, finely sliced)
• 1 round low-fat feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. In a jar combine dill, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper. Put a lid on it, shake well. Set aside.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, yellow pepper and spinach.
3. Add allowed amount of dressing and toss well.
4. Divide between bowls and top with feta. 

TAKE NOTE

• 1 serving of this recipe will count as 1 starch exchange. So, preferably do not add additional starch when serving this dish. Rather serve with protein and add more vegetables when needed. 
• This recipe is also higher in fat (even though its healthy fats), so be mindful of extra fats added and avoid serving it with a fattier meat or additional dressings.

This healthy Garlic Kale Stir-Fry is the perfect low-carb side dish that is packed with flavour.

Cuisine: BRAAI TIME – HEALTHY SIDE DISHES
Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed and rough chopped (or 1 large bag of baby spinach)
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 2  small garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon juice
• Water

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large pan on low heat. Add the garlic and pumpkin seeds to the heated oil and lightly stir-fry until brown and toasted.
2. Add the kale (or spinach) leaves to the oil and garlic.
3. Stir-fry the greens and turn around so its properly coated. Add 1 –  2 Tbsp. of water to assist in steaming the leaves to prevent overcooking. Cook down the greens till still bright in colour and soft to your preferred texture (softer for the more sensitive palate).
4. Remove from the heat. Season with salt and pepper and flavour with a bit of lemon juice to cut the bitterness and serve warm.

DID YOU KNOW?
Kale has been linked to a number of health benefits, including: Improved heart health. Kale is a good source of fibre, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Kale is also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.

Baked portobello mushrooms are a healthy and hearty side dish. They are also a great vegetarian or vegan option.

Cuisine: BRAAI TIME – HEALTHY SIDE DISHES
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 portobello mushroom caps, wiped clean and stems removed
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. dried oreganum
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 can tomatoes, blended
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup mushrooms, chopped finely
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ⅔ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp. chilli flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200ºC.
2. Line a baking sheet with  parchment paper and add mushroom caps. Brush both sides of each mushroom with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle the inside gills with oreganum and season with sea salt and black pepper. Place   in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
3. While the mushrooms are baking, prepare your veggies.
4. Pull mushroom caps out of the oven and spoon blended tomato onto the caps. Top with diced veggies and sprinkle with feta cheese. Place back into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Remove mushrooms from oven. Plate and sprinkle with some chili flakes for a bit of heat.

 TOP TIPS

• More veggies: Top with whatever you have on hand e.g. grated carrots, baby marrow, basil, etc.
• Vegan: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
• Prepare ahead: Veggies can be diced in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Kid-friendly option: Substitute the mushroom with a brown rice tortilla or whole wheat pita and allow children to use mozzarella instead of feta.

A Braai Broodjie is a South African grilled cheese sandwich. This recipe is packed with cheese, tomato, onion, and uses low-GI bread.

Cuisine: BRAAI TIME – HEALTHY SIDE DISHES
Cook Time: 5 minutes prep time, plus time on the braai to reach desired crispiness and colour
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 slices low-GI bread (white or whole wheat)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 30g grated cheese, low-fat or mozzarella are preferred
• 1 slice fresh onion rings
• Fresh basil leaves, optional
• 2 tsp. light margarine 
• Salt and pepper to taste or dried herbs of choice

Instructions

1. Spread 1 tsp. of the margarine on each slice of bread. 
2. Top the side without margarine with the sliced tomatoes.
3. Flavour with salt and pepper or dried herbs of choice. 
4. Now top with the onions and cheese (or basil leaves if preferred) and close sandwich (margarine side on the outside).
5. Put in a braai grid or braai bag or directly on a braai with the margarine side on outside. Once browned, turn and braai other side till brown (preferably not black as burnt food is carcinogenic).
6. Serve warm.

Top up your meal

• Top up the meal with salad or vegetables. ½ sandwich = 1 serving as 1 slice of bread = 15 – 20g carbs.
• These braai broodjies can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day.

This Lentil and Quinoa Salad is a healthy salad that is perfect for a filling side dish at your next braai.

Cuisine: BRAAI TIME – HEALTHY SIDE DISHES
Cook Time: 10 – 15 minutes (excluding cooking time of quinoa)
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 can lentils
• 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled
• 1 medium tomato, diced in cubes
• ½ cucumber, diced
• 1 cup (200g) cooked broccoli, chopped in smaller pieces
• 1 large carrot, diced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Mix the above ingredients together.
2. Flavour with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Serve cold.

*Balsamic vinegar and lemon juice can be used as a light dressing.

TAKE NOTE
1 serving of this recipe will count as 1 starch portion so do not add additional starches to the meal. You can,however, add more vegetables or a green salad on the side.