The festive season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and indulging in delicious meals. If you own a spit braai, you have a fantastic tool at your disposal to create memorable outdoor feasts. Preparing your spit braai for the festive season is essential to ensure it’s in top shape and ready to deliver mouthwatering results.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take to get your spit braai ready for the holiday season.
Inspect and Clean Your Spit Braai
The first step in getting your spit braai ready for the festive season is a thorough inspection and cleaning. Over time, grease, rust, and debris can accumulate, affecting its performance. Start by checking for rust on various parts of the spit braai and remove it with a wire brush or steel wool. Consider applying a high-temperature paint or coating to prevent further rusting. Next, clean the cooking grate by scrubbing away any residue with a grill brush and washing it with warm, soapy water. Ensure the interior of the spit braai is free from ash and old wood. A clean interior promotes even heat distribution and proper airflow.
Test the Motor and Rotisserie
To avoid any surprises during your festive meal, test the motor and rotisserie well in advance. Attach an empty skewer to the rotisserie rod and turn on the motor. Verify that it rotates smoothly without unusual noises or wobbling. If you encounter problems, consider servicing or replacing the motor. Also, secure a small piece of meat on the skewer and run a test cook to ensure the rotisserie’s stability, balance, and skewer attachment are all in order.
Stock Up on Fuel and Accessories
Preparation is key to a successful spit braai. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of fuel, whether it’s firewood, charcoal, or a combination of both, to last throughout your cooking session.
- Have fire starters or chimney starters on hand for quick ignition. Stock up on basting brushes and ingredients for marinades or sauces.
- Invest in a reliable meat thermometer for precise cooking control.
- Drip pans are essential to collect juices and prevent flare-ups, so make sure you have an adequate supply.
- Check the condition of your meat hooks or prongs and replace any worn or damaged ones.
- Don’t forget heat-resistant gloves and a protective apron for safety.
Plan Your Festive Menu
Once your spit braai is ready, plan your festive menu. Consider offering a variety of meats like whole chicken, pork shoulders, lamb legs, and beef roasts to cater to different tastes. Complement your meats with sides such as salads, roasted vegetables, and a selection of sauces. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and seasonings to enhance the flavour of your meats. Marinate your meats in advance, allowing them to absorb the flavours fully.
Prepare Your Spit Braai
With your spit braai cleaned, tested, and stocked with essential supplies, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.
- Set up and assemble your spit braai following the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure it’s on stable ground and away from flammable materials.
- Thread your meats onto the skewers or prongs securely to prevent any mishaps during cooking.
- Apply your chosen marinades, rubs, or seasonings to the meat, allowing them to marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavour.
- Ignite your firewood or charcoal and maintain a consistent cooking temperature by adjusting the airflow vents or adding more fuel as needed.
- During the cooking process, use your basting brush to apply marinade or sauce to the meat, adding flavour and moisture.
- Monitor the internal temperature of the roasts with your meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to perfection.
Since 1993, Seebots Distributors has worked tirelessly to become a leading expert in the supply of gas appliances and accessories to the retail market, end-users, manufacturers, and certified LP gas installers. This has given us the experience and the contacts to provide a complete range of solutions for a range of structure types, including gas heaters, geysers, boiling tables, and more, from brands such as PEX TEC, 3Arrow, and Atlas. Cadac, and many more.