Gambian Lamb Yappa
A hearty and flavorful lamb stew, Yappa is a traditional Gambian dish characterized by its rich marinade and slow-cooked tenderness. It's often served with rice, making for a satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 3 large Onions(sliced)
- 8 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 2 inches Fresh ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Scotch bonnet peppers(finely chopped (adjust to taste))
- 3 tbsp Mustard
- 0.5 cup Cider vinegar
- 0.25 cup Lime juice
- 1 tbsp All-purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 medium Carrots(cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 cubes Seasoning cubes(crumbled)
- 2 cups Water(or as needed)
- Salt(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the lamb cubes with sliced onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped scotch bonnet peppers, mustard, cider vinegar, lime juice, all-purpose seasoning, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the lamb is thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the lamb from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear it in batches until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the reserved marinade (including the onions and peppers) to the same pot. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for about 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 4
Return the seared lamb to the pot. Add the carrots, potatoes, and crumbled seasoning cubes. Pour in the water, ensuring the liquid covers about two-thirds of the meat and vegetables. Bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the stew simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more water if the stew becomes too dry.
- 6
Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with plain boiled rice.
💡 Tip: Crusty bread is also a great accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the lamb overnight.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to control the spice level.
- ✓If you don't have scotch bonnets, habanero peppers can be used as a substitute.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, cassava, or bell peppers.
- For a richer sauce, a tablespoon of peanut butter can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.