“Bees - boer - braai” is the theme for this year's NAU Agribraai, with the secret ingredient to be revealed for the dessert, says Sanet Prinsloo, well-established co-ordinator of the NAU Agribraai but also head chef and respected judge of international cooking competitions.
But braai teams need to shake things up. Entries close on 31 May, and both farmers' association and social teams are limited to 20 entries per category. This means 20 farmers' associations should nominate their best chefs in hopes of being crowned as the 2024 Namibian braai champion and take home N$20 000 and additional prizes. Additionally, the champion farmers' association will have the opportunity to host the competition in 2025 with the support of the NAU and sponsors. Such a financial injection for a community is not to be dismissed. Even if you're not part of a farmers' association, you can still come show off your braai skills as twenty social teams also get the chance to participate in the fun.
Braai teams consist of four members. Gates open Friday, 14 June at 07:00 for braai teams to set up stalls. Each team gets 10 kg of wood. They can also bring their own wood or charcoal.
The first ten teams in each category that register get the opportunity to decide when they want to be judged. The rest will receive their schedules on Friday evening. Judging starts on Saturday at 11:00. Be punctual and on time! Food can be cooked on any device or in any manner, as long as the heat comes from wood or charcoal.
On the menu
Braai teams receive all the ingredients for their dishes on Saturday morning. For the starter, they get cow marrow bones and braai pap, while the main course will consist of Porterhouse steak, wheat, and spinach.
"This year, there's a secret ingredient that must be used in the dessert. All participants may only know the other two ingredients: oranges and mahangu flour," says Sanet.
"Forbidden products include ready-made sauces or soup packets and soup powder. Rather create your own flavour. What you can use, however, are chutney, tomato sauce, and mayonnaise. Feel free to use the internet, recipe books, your uncle, aunt, cousin, or neighbor for food ideas."
Judges
Sanet says the judges are a skilled team. As usual, the well-known South African chef Arnold Tanzer is part of the team, as well as Johan van Zyl (from Omaheke Megasave in Gobabis), Roelien de Lange (founder of Purple Fig Cooking School in Windhoek), Roger du Plessis (from Namib Mills), Riana Boy (owner of two guesthouses in Keetmanshoop), Danie Opperman (owner of Xain Quaz, Gobabis), as well as chefs Hannalie Grobler, Liesel du Plessis, and Brenda Klynsmith.
All braai teams must be in the beer tent on Saturday morning, 15 June, at 07:00. Here, team members receive important information, ingredients, and schedules as well as breakfast.
The NLU Agribraai prize-giving ceremony starts at 17:30 on Saturday night in the beer tent.
Big prizes are at stake for the Farmers' Association and Social Teams:
The overall winners in the Farmers' Association division win N$20 000 cash and the privilege to host the competition in 2025.
The Farmers' Association in second place receives N$6 000 cash, and the third place walks away with N$4 000 cash.
The overall winner in the social division wins N$10 000 cash.
In each division of the competition, there are great prizes up for grabs.
Judges' tips:
Remember that enough kitchen equipment will facilitate your preparation throughout the day.
Good team spirit is always welcomed during the judging.
Be punctual and friendly.
The introduction of braai teams takes place at 18:00 on Friday night in the tent. It is mandatory for braai team members to attend the proceedings in their "team wear/braai attire" so everyone can see who you are and what you look like.
Source: AgriForum
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