Ntaba Ya Bandundu (Grilled Goat Meat)
Ntaba Ya Bandundu is a popular Congolese dish of grilled or roasted goat meat, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, garlic, ginger, and sometimes chili. It's often prepared for gatherings and celebrations, showcasing the rich flavors of Congolese barbecue.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Goat meat(cut into 2-3 inch cubes, bone-in or boneless)
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil(plus more for grilling/roasting)
- 1 tbsp Garlic paste
- 2 tbsp All-purpose seasoning
- 1 tbsp Beef soup base
- 1 tbsp Chicken bouillon
- 2 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 optional Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed for less heat)
- 0.5 cup Lemon juice(freshly squeezed)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the goat meat with vegetable oil, garlic paste, all-purpose seasoning, beef soup base, chicken bouillon, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cilantro. Add chopped Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the meat is well-coated.
💡 Tip: Marinating the goat meat for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) will enhance the flavor and tenderness. - 2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the seasoned goat meat in an even layer in a large roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
💡 Tip: If grilling, thread the meat onto skewers, shaking off excess marinade. - 3
Roast the goat meat for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and scatter the thinly sliced onions evenly over the top of the meat.
- 4
Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting for another 45-60 minutes, or until the goat meat is tender and cooked through, and the onions are softened and slightly caramelized.
- 5
If grilling, grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until nicely charred and cooked through. Brush with a little oil during the last few minutes.
- 6
Let the roasted meat rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, with the softened onions. Ntaba is often enjoyed with fufu, rice, or plantains.
💡 Tip: The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Goat meat can be tough, so ensure it is cooked until very tender.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference.
- ✓Bone-in goat meat can add more flavor to the dish.
- ✓If grilling, ensure the heat is moderate to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a marinade with ginger, cumin, and coriander for added spice.
- Ntaba can also be prepared as a stew by simmering the marinated meat with tomatoes and other vegetables.
- A finishing glaze of honey and oil can be brushed on during the last few minutes of grilling.