This dish is an integral part of Kenyan cuisine. It is a favorite of many people in Kenya and Tanzania. It does not slide off the bone and is a serious meat. It is not a buttery dish, but rather a hearty and satisfying meal. If you’re traveling to Kenya, you can enjoy nyama choma while enjoying the landscape. The locals of the Maasai serve it as cultural ambassadors for tourism in the country.
Kenya Nyama Choma
Kenya Nyama Choma
When you visit Kenya, be sure to try the nyama choma - this dish is very popular with locals. This dish is made by grilling meat over an open fire. In fact, men used to joke about cooking meat outdoors while women ate less-delicious cuts. The meat should be grilled over fire for one and a half hours, and covered with aluminum foil. In addition, it is served with a side salad of chopped vegetables, or even a fresh vegetable salad called kachumbari.
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Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 399kcal
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lbs mutton goat meat or beef
- salt
- 1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
- ¼ lemon juice
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
PREPARATION
- Wash and leave the meat to dry. Put in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ginger and garlic paste and lemon juice. Then pour the mixture over the meat to marinate it.
- Cover the meat and leave for 2 hours to marinate completely.
COOKING
- Heat your grill to be very hot.
- Spread the cooking oil over the meat and place it on the grill.
- Dissolve the salt in warm water and sprinkle it over the meat while cooking.
- Charcoal should be low for the meat to cook slowly without burning.
- Flip the meat over on all sides until the outside is soft, and the inside cooks well.
- Once the meat is completely cooked, remove it from the grill and serve hot.
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Notes
The nyama choma is a popular dish in Kenya. Its name means "barbecued meat," and it is a staple of Kenyan cuisine. It is served with chicken, beef, or goat. It is very delicious, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family. A typical meal with nyama choma will cost around $7.95. It is often served with ugali, a staple maizemeal.
Nutrition
Serving: 4servings | Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 443mg
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Oven-Baked Nyama Choma
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of goat, beef, or lamb meat (your choice of cut)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano, your choice)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the meat, vegetable oil, chopped onions, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture, and toss everything until the meat is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Arrange the marinated meat on the wire rack, allowing any excess marinade to drip onto the baking sheet.
- Place the meat in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to achieve the perfect level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 145°F (63°C), and for medium, 160°F (71°C).
- While baking, occasionally brush the meat with any remaining marinade for added flavor.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add fresh herbs on top of the meat for an aromatic infusion.
- Once done, remove the meat from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps it tender.
- Slice the Oven-Baked Nyama Choma and serve it hot. Pair it with your favorite Kenyan side dishes, like ugali and kachumbari.
Tips for making Kenya Nyama Choma
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Nyama Choma is often served with sides like ugali (cornmeal porridge), kachumbari (tomato and onion salad), or sukuma wiki (collard greens). These sides balance the richness of the grilled meat.
- Garnishes: Fresh lemon wedges, sliced onions, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavors. The acidity of the lemon cuts through the meat’s richness.
- Beverage Pairing: Nyama Choma pairs beautifully with Kenyan beverages like Tusker beer or a tropical fruit punch. The beer’s crispness complements the smoky flavors, while the fruit punch adds a fruity zing.
Versatile Serving:
- Nyama Choma Platter: Arrange the slices of Nyama Choma on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. It’s a delightful centerpiece for gatherings.
- Taco-Style: Grab some tortillas or flatbreads, and wrap slices of Nyama Choma with your favorite garnishes. It’s a Kenyan take on tacos.
- Nyama Choma Bowl: Combine Nyama Choma, ugali, and kachumbari in a bowl for a hearty meal. Drizzle with some of the meat’s juices for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
Success Secrets:
- Marinate Mindfully: Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Overnight marination is even better.
- Doneness Check: For the oven-baked method, use a meat thermometer to ensure the desired level of doneness. Remember, Nyama Choma can vary from medium-rare to well-done, depending on your preference.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing. This preserves the juices and maintains tenderness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Skipping the Marination: Rushing the marination process can lead to less flavorful results. Give the spices and herbs time to work their magic.
- Overcooking: Overcooking the meat can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to prevent this.
- Neglecting the Resting Step: Slicing Nyama Choma immediately after cooking can cause the juices to escape, resulting in less juicy meat. Always allow it to rest for a few minutes.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Kenya Nyama Choma
- Can I prepare Nyama Choma in advance for a party, and how do I store leftovers? Yes, you can prepare Nyama Choma in advance. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave, adding a touch of water to maintain tenderness.
- Can I use chicken instead of goat, beef, or lamb? Absolutely, you can use chicken for a lighter variation of Nyama Choma. Marinate the chicken as you would the other meats, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- What’s the best way to get that smoky flavor when using the oven? To add a smoky touch to your oven-baked Nyama Choma, consider using smoked paprika in the marinade. It imparts a smoky flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
- Can I serve Nyama Choma with vegetarian sides for a meatless option? Of course! Nyama Choma is versatile. You can pair it with vegetarian sides like grilled vegetables, hummus, and a fresh green salad.
- What’s the best way to cut Nyama Choma for optimal flavor? Slicing Nyama Choma against the grain, into thin pieces, enhances tenderness and flavor. This method makes each bite a flavorful delight.
Grill like a Kenyan chef with our Nyama Choma recipe. Experience the flavors of Kenya at home. Share the recipe and subscribe for more culinary adventures.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.
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