Borts with a Burundian Twist

Ingredients

While the original Mongolian borts are typically made with horse meat, our Burundian adaptation uses beef as a substitute. Additionally, we have incorporated local spices and flavors to enhance the taste and cater to the Burundian palate. The cooking techniques remain similar, with the beef strips being air-dried and fried to achieve the desired texture and flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Borts, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat your oven to 80°C (175°F).
2. 2.
   Lay the beef slices on a baking sheet and season them with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the baking sheet in the oven and let the beef slices air-dry for 4-6 hours, or until they become dry and slightly crispy.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Fry the dried beef slices in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried borts from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Allow the borts to cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose lean cuts of beef for a healthier option. Trim any excess fat before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper on the beef slices before air-drying.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the taste of your borts.
• Store the borts in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Burundian-inspired borts as a snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of dips such as tomato salsa, yogurt dip, or spicy peanut sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the borts on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an appealing presentation. Serve them alongside the chosen dips or sauces.