Nigerien-inspired Spiced Meat Skewers

Ingredients

In this Nigerien adaptation of Kabab bakhtiari, we incorporate traditional Nigerien spices and flavors to create a unique twist. The original Iranian dish typically uses a combination of lamb and chicken, but we have adapted it to use beef and goat meat, which are more commonly consumed in Niger. Additionally, we have incorporated Nigerien spices such as ginger, cloves, and cayenne pepper to infuse the meat with a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Kabab bakhtiari, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cut into cubes
• 500g (1.1 lb) goat meat, cut into cubes 500g (1.1 lb) goat meat, cut into cubes
• 2 onions, finely chopped 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger paste 2 tablespoons ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers, soaked in water Skewers, soaked in water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the beef, goat meat, onions, garlic, ginger paste, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. 2.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, alternating between beef and goat meat.
4. 4.
   Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. 6.
   Serve the Spiced Meat Skewers with rice or couscous and a side salad for a complete meal.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef and goat meat — Ensure that the meat is cut into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Trim off excess fat for a leaner dish.
• Ginger paste — If you can't find ginger paste, you can substitute it with freshly grated ginger. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the skewers in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Serve the Spiced Meat Skewers with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick.
• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or broil them in the oven.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat for varied textures and flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Spiced Meat Skewers hot off the grill, accompanied by a generous portion of fluffy rice or couscous. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the meat to shine through. Serve with a side of vibrant salad and a sprinkle of chopped herbs for an appealing presentation.