Cabrito Assado com Molho de Gindungo
Succulent roasted goat served with a rich and flavorful Gindungo (African bird's eye chili) sauce, a classic Angolan dish that balances tender meat with a spicy kick.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Goat meat(cut into large pieces)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed)
- 3-5 pieces Gindungo (African bird's eye chilies)(finely chopped, adjust to taste)
- 100 ml Palm oil
- 50 ml Vegetable oil
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the goat meat with salt, pepper, half of the minced garlic, and half of the chopped onions for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
💡 Tip: Marinating tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. - 2
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated goat meat on all sides until browned.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Remove the meat from the pot and set aside. Add the remaining chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped gindungo, and bay leaves to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have broken down.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
Return the goat meat to the pot. Add enough water to almost cover the meat. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid level is appropriate for braising. - 7
Cover the pot tightly and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender.
⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes💡 Tip: Check periodically and add more water if the liquid reduces too much. - 8
Once the meat is tender, remove the lid. In a separate small pan, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Pour the hot palm oil into the braising liquid. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Palm oil adds a distinct flavor and color. - 9
Continue to cook uncovered in the oven for another 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 10
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning carefully.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The spiciness of gindungo can vary greatly; start with less and add more if needed.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the goat overnight.
- ✓Serve with funge or boiled yams for a traditional meal.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of red wine to the braising liquid for added depth.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes in the braise.