Dibi (Malian Grilled Lamb)
Dibi is a popular Malian street food consisting of tender, grilled lamb marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, often served with caramelized onions and a tangy mustard sauce. It's known for its smoky aroma and succulent texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(trimmed and cut into 3-4 cm pieces)
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 6 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp Chili flakes
- 1 Lemon(juiced)
- 2 tbsp Whole grain mustard
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the lamb pieces with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, chili flakes, half of the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- 2
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced onions with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the remaining 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, the whole grain mustard, remaining lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
💡 Tip: This allows the onions to soften and absorb flavors. - 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 200°C (400°F).
- 4
Grill the marinated lamb pieces for about 6-8 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked to your desired doneness. If using an oven, you can grill for a few minutes on each side then transfer to a baking sheet and finish in the oven.
- 5
While the lamb is grilling or finishing in the oven, grill the marinated onions until softened and lightly charred, about 7-10 minutes.
- 6
Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- 7
Serve the sliced grilled lamb with the caramelized onions. A traditional accompaniment is a tangy mustard sauce, often made by blending Dijon mustard, olive oil, a touch of vinegar, and seasonings.
💡 Tip: Dibi can also be served with baguettes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Marinating the lamb overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓Adjust the chili flakes according to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Use lamb chops instead of shoulder pieces.
- Add a pinch of cumin or coriander to the lamb marinade for extra depth.