Benin-style Goat Soup

Ingredients

While the original Indonesian Soup Kambing is typically spiced with Indonesian flavors such as turmeric, coriander, and galangal, the Benin-style Goat Soup incorporates traditional Benin spices like cloves, nutmeg, and African pepper. Additionally, the use of local Benin vegetables such as yams and okra adds a unique twist to the dish, giving it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from its Indonesian counterpart. We alse have the original recipe for Soup kambing, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) goat meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) goat meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon African pepper 1 teaspoon African pepper
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 yam, diced 1 yam, diced
• 1 cup okra, sliced 1 cup okra, sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the cubed goat meat to the pot and cook until it is browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the ground cloves, nutmeg, and African pepper over the meat and stir well to coat.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the goat meat becomes tender.
7. 7.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, yam, and sliced okra to the pot and continue simmering for another 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.
8. 8.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Benin-style Goat Soup hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Goat meat — Ensure that the goat meat is properly trimmed and cubed before cooking to ensure tenderness.
• African pepper — Adjust the amount of African pepper according to your spice preference. Increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.
• Okra — To prevent the okra from becoming slimy, slice it just before adding it to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the goat meat with the spices overnight before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables to create a thicker consistency.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or rice for a complete meal.
• Adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding more or less African pepper according to your taste preference.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will further develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Benin-style Goat Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added freshness and color. Accompany the soup with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle a pinch of ground African pepper on top of each serving. Place a sprig of fresh herbs on the side of the bowl for an elegant touch. Serve the soup in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables.