Boerewors Roll (Boerie Roll with Tomato and Onion Relish)
In short: Coarse, coriander-spiced sausage grilled until browned and tucked into a soft roll with a sweet tomato and onion relish, a South African braai staple. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 715 kcal
The boerie roll is the sandwich of every South African braai, rugby match and school fete. Boerewors is a coarse, coriander-scented sausage that is grilled in a coil and cut to fit a soft white roll. The tomato and onion relish, called smoor, adds sweetness and a gentle sharpness. Eat it hot and messy, with a napkin close by.
Instructions
- For the relish, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the onions for 8 minutes until soft and golden. Add the tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper and chili flakes.
- Simmer the relish for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until jammy and thick. Taste and adjust the salt, then keep warm.
- Heat a grill to medium, with some coals or burners turned lower for a cooler zone. Lay the boerewors on the grill in coils without pricking them.
- Grill for 15 to 20 minutes, turning every few minutes, until browned all over and cooked through (71°C / 160°F). Move to the cooler zone if the casing is browning too fast.
- Split the rolls and spread with the butter. Toast them cut-side down on the grill for 1 minute.
- Cut the sausage into lengths that fit the rolls. Tuck them in and spoon over the warm relish.
Tips
- Do not prick the sausages. The juices stay inside, and a moderate fire keeps the casings from bursting.
- No grill? Cook the sausage in a heavy pan with 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) water, covered, for 10 minutes. Then uncover and brown for another 10 minutes.
Questions and answers
What is boerewors made of?
Boerewors is a coarse sausage of beef, often mixed with pork or lamb, seasoned with spices such as coriander, black pepper, nutmeg and cloves. Butchers each have their own recipe.
Can I cook boerewors in the oven?
Yes. Roast the coiled sausage on a rack at 200°C (400°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through.
What is smoor?
Smoor is a South African relish of braised onions and tomatoes. It goes on boerie rolls and is also eaten with pap and grilled meat.
How long does it take to make Boerewors Roll (Boerie Roll with Tomato and Onion Relish)?
About 45 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Boerewors Roll (Boerie Roll with Tomato and Onion Relish)?
About 715 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 45 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 715 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
