Heritage Day long weekend is officially here, which means we’ll be having braai for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And while we love a quick sizzle on the braai, we can’t resist the slow-cooked tradition of smoking. Thanks to the guys over at Smoked Flavours, braai enthusiasts no longer have to spare hours just to get that characteristic smoky flavour.

Smoked Flavours Liquid Smoke

Smoking is one of the oldest methods of food preservation, with a long history in the United States of America – Barbecue Showdown fans will know this. This time-honoured tradition is all about low ‘n slow cooking, which can take anything from several hours up to an entire day to cook a hog! The ritual requires loads of patience, and for good reason; besides creating tender, fall-off-the-bone meat, smoking also imparts a characteristic flavour that can’t be achieved otherwise – that is ’til Liquid Smoke was invented…

Originally created in The States, the popular product is now available in South Africa, thanks to Smoked Flavours.

This concentrated smoke-flavouring liquid has gained popularity for its convenience in adding a smoky flavour to foods without the need for extended smoking or barbecuing. It’s made by condensing and purifying the smoke produced during the wood burning process. Originally created in The States, the popular product is now available in South Africa, thanks to Smoked Flavours and their extended product range.

What’s Your Flavour?

Smoked Flavours is perfect for infusing flavour into your favourite braai mains and sides. Available in five incredible flavours, their Liquid Smoke is made from actual wood chips and doesn’t contain any additives or colourants. Best of all? It’s halaal and also vegan-friendly, so is great for adding to roasted and grilled veggies. Create the ultimate braai feast this Heritage Day with their versatile range, which also includes Smoked Sea Salt – a pantry staple for home cooks.

Hickory & Oak Liquid Smoke is great for those who prefer a milder smoked flavour. It adds just enough smoky flavour without overpowering the natural flavours of the food. The addition of oak balances the more intense hickory flavours – a great introduction for first-time users. Add it to dips like mayonnaise, or brush it on mozzarella for a flavour bomb.

European Beech Liquid Smoke is suitable for adding to poultry and seafood dishes. Less pungent than its American counterpart, this liquid smoke has gained popularity for its mild and slightly sweet flavour, and tastes great on braaied yellowtail or roasted salmon trout.

Add Smoked Flavours Hickory Liquid Smoke to marinades and BBQ bastings for a flavour boost. Known for its strong, smoky flavour, Hickory is pairs exceptionally well with braaied pork ribs or grilled beef burgers.

Smoked Flavours Mesquite Liquid Smoke is fantastic for imparting bold, earthy flavours. This delicious product tastes great on beef, pork and gamier meats.

The Cherry Liquid Smoke adds a fruity, slightly sweet flavour to your favourite meats. It’s a great addition to sweet and sour flavour profiles and local favourites like Denningvleis, or these Cape Malay Sosaties with dried apricots.

Smoked Sea Salt, one of their best-selling products, is great as a finishing product. Sprinkle it over pan-fried steaks to give it that braaied and smoked flavour, or your favourite side dishes like these delicious infused Smoked Baby Potatoes.

Recipe: Smoked Baby Potatoes

Meet your new favourite braai side – crunchy, golden crushed baby potatoes infused with Smoked Flavours Hickory Liquid Smoke and finished with Smoked Sea Salt. The slightly sweet and smoky bacon-like flavour is absolutely delicious!

Serves: 6 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Difficulty: easy

Ingredients

700 g whole baby potatoes
¼ C (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp (30 ml) Smoked Flavours Hickory Liquid Smoke
Smoked Flavours Smoked Sea Salt
freshly ground black pepper
3-5 sticks fresh thyme, leaves picked

Method

Preheat the oven to 225 ºC

Boil the potatoes in a saucepan of salted water over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain in a colander.

Mix the olive oil and Smoked Flavours Hickory Liquid Smoke until well combined.

Place the potatoes onto a greased baking sheet; use a potato masher or the back of a fork to gently press down each potato until it smashes but still holds together, rotate the potato masher/fork 90 degrees and mash again.

Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with the olive oil mixture, then sprinkle with a crack of Smoked Flavours Smoked Sea Salt, black pepper and thyme leaves.

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crunchy.

Shop the Smoked Flavours Liquid Smoke range and other products, and try these recipes. 

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