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West AfricanAuthentic Cuisine

West African Grilled Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

West African Grilled Skewers

West African Grilled Skewers bring the essence of home cooking to life, found across the region's tables with a focus on simplicity and community. Traditionally prepared by hand, these skewers rely on the cook's intuition to balance salt and fat, reflecting a style that is as much about the feel as it is about the flavor. As the skewers sizzle over the grill, the aroma of cumin and seasoned lamb signals a meal meant for sharing.

The skewers offer a satisfying combination of tender lamb and the gentle bite of onions, all kissed by the grill's heat. Each piece is infused with a touch of olive oil, bringing out the meat's richness, while cumin adds an earthy depth. Black pepper and fine sea salt round out the flavors, creating a dish that is both straightforward and deeply comforting, designed for communal enjoyment.

Ingredients

  • 600 glamb cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the 600 g of lamb into uniform cubes, about 1-inch each, to ensure even cooking. Peel and finely chop the onion, as this will be used to flavor the lamb. Set these aside in separate bowls.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lamb cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, and season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece of lamb is well-coated with the oil and spices. This step infuses the lamb with flavor and helps it remain juicy during grilling.
  3. Thread the seasoned lamb cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to allow even heat distribution. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a stovetop grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat until it is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. This ensures a good sear on the lamb.
  5. Place the skewers on the grill or grill pan. Cook the lamb for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally. Look for a nicely browned exterior with grill marks, and the lamb should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight give, indicating it's cooked through yet tender.
  6. Once the lamb is cooked to your liking, remove the skewers from the grill. Immediately sprinkle a bit more fine sea salt over the skewers to enhance the flavors. Serve the skewers hot, encouraging everyone to share and enjoy the communal experience typical of a West African meal.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic West African Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the West African volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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