19+ East African Kebab Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
East African cuisine is a vibrant and diverse blend of flavors, influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the region. One dish that stands out in this cuisine is the East African kebab. This delicious grilled meat on a skewer is a staple in many East African countries, including Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. The unique combination of spices and cooking techniques used in this kebab recipe makes it a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Ghee, Warm Water
Chapati is a popular flatbread in East African cuisine, and it makes for the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. To make this recipe, start by preparing the chapati dough with flour, water, salt, and oil. While the dough rests, prepare the chicken by rubbing it with a mixture of spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Place the chicken on a beer can and cook it on the grill or in the oven. Serve it with the freshly made chapati for a delicious East African feast.
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East African Fish Stew
Main Ingredients: Fish, Coconut Water, Chopped Onion, Celery Stalks
Fish stew is a staple dish in many East African countries, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins, including chicken. To make this dish, start by preparing a flavorful broth with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like turmeric and ginger. Add in chunks of chicken and let it simmer until cooked through. Serve the stew over rice or with a side of chapati for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Coconut Chicken with East African Flavors
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onions, Large Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Ground
This recipe combines the rich and creamy flavors of coconut with the bold and spicy flavors of East African cuisine. Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Grill or bake the chicken on a beer can for a tender and flavorful result. Serve it with a side of coconut rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pilau is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is commonly found in East African cuisine. To make this dish, start by preparing the rice with a mixture of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Add in chicken broth and let the rice cook until tender. While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken on a beer can and cook it on the grill or in the oven. Serve the pilau and chicken together for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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East African Kuku Paka
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Turmeric, Lemon Juice
Kuku paka, also known as East African coconut chicken curry, is a popular dish in Kenya and Tanzania. To make this dish, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, turmeric, and spices like cumin and coriander. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour before cooking it on a beer can. Serve the curry with rice or chapati for a flavorful and comforting meal.
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East African Sweet Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Chopped Onion, Safflower Oil, Minced Garlic, Ginger
This recipe may seem unconventional for a beer can chicken article, but trust us, it's worth trying. For this soup, start by cooking chicken on a beer can and shredding the meat. In a separate pot, cook onions and garlic until soft, then add in chicken broth, sweet peas, and spices like thyme and oregano. Blend the soup until smooth and serve it with the shredded chicken on top. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy beer can chicken.
This dish is similar to pilau, but instead of using chicken as the main protein, we'll be using chicken broth to cook the rice. Start by preparing the rice with spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Add in the chicken broth and let the rice cook until tender. Serve it with a side of beer can chicken for a tasty and satisfying meal.
This recipe is perfect for those who prefer to cook their chicken in the oven rather than on the grill. Start by searing the chicken in a pan until golden brown. In a separate pot, cook onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika until fragrant. Add in the chicken and let it braise in the flavorful sauce until fully cooked. Serve it with a side of rice or chapati for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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East African Bean Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Pinto Beans, Water, Baking Soda, White Onions
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cold day. Start by cooking chicken on a beer can and shredding the meat. In a separate pot, cook onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder until fragrant. Add in chicken broth, beans, and the shredded chicken and let the soup simmer for a few minutes. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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East African Mango & Cucumber Salad
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Red Onion, Salt, Garlic Clove, Peanut
This refreshing and colorful salad is the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. Start by combining diced mango, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together lime juice, honey, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Pour the dressing over the mango and cucumber mixture and toss to combine. Serve it alongside the chicken for a burst of flavor and freshness.
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East African Keema Chapatis
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Cumin
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to enjoy chapatis, this recipe is for you. Start by preparing the chapati dough and letting it rest. In a separate pan, cook minced chicken with onions, garlic, and spices like garam masala and turmeric. Roll out the chapati dough and add a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center. Fold the dough over the filling and cook the chapati on both sides until golden brown. Serve it with a side of beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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African Pancakes
Main Ingredients: Flour, Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Melted Butter, Vanilla
This recipe may sound strange, but trust us, it's a must-try. Start by preparing the pancake batter with flour, milk, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or in a pan until golden brown. Serve them with a side of beer can chicken for a unique and tasty combination of flavors.
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Beef Kebab
Main Ingredients: Beef Tenderloin, Light Soy Sauce, Minced Ginger, Minced
Kebabs are a popular dish in many African countries, and they can be made with a variety of proteins, including chicken. For this recipe, marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill them until fully cooked. Serve them with a side of rice or chapati for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Moroccan Kefta Kebab
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Beef, Medium Onion, Paprika, Cumin, Salt
This recipe is a twist on the traditional kebab, with Moroccan flavors and spices. Start by combining ground chicken with onions, garlic, cilantro, and spices like cumin and paprika. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and thread them onto skewers. Grill the kebabs until fully cooked and serve them with a side of couscous or rice for a delicious and unique meal.
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African Chicken Stew
Main Ingredients: Oil, Chicken, Roma Tomatoes, Onion, Minced Garlic
This hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in many African countries and is the perfect dish to pair with beer can chicken. To make this stew, start by cooking chicken on a beer can and shredding the meat. In a separate pot, cook onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika until fragrant. Add in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth and let the stew simmer for a few minutes. Serve it with a side of rice or chapati for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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African Fufu
Main Ingredients: Yams, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Olive Oil
Fufu is a staple dish in many African countries, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins, including chicken. To make this dish, start by preparing a dough with cassava flour and water. Shape the dough into small balls and cook them in boiling water until they float to the surface. Serve the fufu with a side of beer can chicken for a unique and tasty combination of flavors.
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Marinated Beef Shish Kebab
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Yellow Pepper, Red Pepper, Red Onion
This recipe is another twist on the traditional kebab, with marinated beef and Mediterranean flavors. Start by marinating the beef in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices like oregano and garlic. Thread the beef onto skewers and grill them until fully cooked. Serve them with a side of rice or couscous and a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Chicken Kebab
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice
This recipe takes a classic kebab and turns it into a flavorful and juicy dish. Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill them until fully cooked. Serve them with a side of rice or chapati for a tasty and satisfying meal.
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African Sharwama
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Lemon Juice, Garlic
Sharwama, also known as shawarma, is a popular street food in many African countries. To make this dish, marinate chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. Cook the chicken on a beer can and shred the meat. Serve the chicken in a warm pita with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a delicious and unique meal.
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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic
Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground
This recipe takes a classic Turkish dish and turns it into a homemade version that is just as delicious. Start by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and paprika. Cook the chicken on a beer can and shred the meat. Serve the chicken in a warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Blend of Spices
One of the key elements that make East African kebabs stand out is the use of berbere, a traditional spice blend that is widely used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. This blend typically includes a mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and paprika, giving the kebabs a rich and complex flavor. In addition, hilbet, a spicy paste made from ground lentils and chilies, is also often added to the marinade, adding an extra layer of heat and depth to the dish.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
To truly capture the essence of East African kebabs, it is essential to marinate the meat for at least a few hours, or even overnight. This not only infuses the meat with the bold flavors of the spices, but also helps to tenderize the meat and make it juicier. Garlic and ginger are also commonly used in the marinade, adding a distinct zing to the kebabs.
The Art of Grilling
Grilling is the preferred method of cooking for East African kebabs, as it adds a smoky and charred flavor to the meat. Traditionally, the kebabs are cooked over hot coals, but they can also be grilled on a gas or charcoal grill. The key is to cook the kebabs over high heat, turning them frequently to ensure they are evenly cooked and do not burn.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
East African kebabs are typically served with injera, a spongy flatbread that is commonly eaten in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The tangy and slightly sour taste of injera complements the bold flavors of the kebabs perfectly. Other popular accompaniments include shiro, a spicy chickpea stew, and gomen, a dish made with collard greens.
In conclusion, the East African kebab is a delicious and flavorful dish that is a must-try for any food lover. With its unique spice blend, marinating technique, and grilling method, it offers a truly authentic taste of East African cuisine. So why not try your hand at making this mouthwatering dish at home and add some East African flair to your next barbecue?
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