Braaivleis is synonymous with friends, family and good times. This age old tradition is still a favourite social event for many South Africans and regardless of whether you are celebrating a birthday, watching rugby with close friends or simply looking for an excuse for a get-together, nothing beats a good braai!

If you are battling with ideas for interesting dishes to serve with your next braaivleis, look no further! Below you will find a number of very simple (but very divine!) ideas. This might come in especially handy if you have unexpected guests or you simply don't have the time or energy to slave away in the kitchen!

For a nice starter you need a couple of pita bread pockets and some garlic bread. Cut the pita pockets open and fill with a generous helping of garlic butter. Put these pockets on the braai grid for a couple of minutes and "voila", braaivleis-pitas-deluxe!

Do you have a bottle of asparagus in the fridge that you just can't seem to get rid of? Grill the asparagus in the oven for a couple of minutes or warm it up in a frying pan. Add some olive oil and flavour with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar. Serve this with a tomato and some sweet chilly as a side dish with your braaivleis and pita pockets.

Are you looking for an interesting topping or sauce for your "pap" or bread? Then try the following: Take a can of meat (the saltier, the better); add a tin of creamy sweet-corn, an egg and some onion and heat together in a frying pan. Your guests will believe that you spent hours in the kitchen perfecting this special topping!

And finally, for everyone who thought that it was not possible to "braai" you dessert, try this: Peel a medium banana (one for each guest) and place it on top of a piece of foil. Place two marshmallows on top of the banana and add a block of chocolate on top of each marshmallow. Roll the banana in the foil and braai on the coals for 10 minutes.

Braaivleis should never be boring! Keep the above recipes at hand and surprise your guests at your next braai!