This is my latest article on 'The Corporate South Sudan's Business Weekly' Enjoy:

Making your own yama choma (BBQ meat)

With the hot sunny days in Juba, what better way is there to lighten the mood than to have a barbeque?

A BBQ is a way of slow cooking meats over wood or charcoal. A BBQ is a good informal way to bring people together to unwind, and enjoy some food with good company.

In South Africa they call a BBQ a ‘braai’ which takes place almost every weekend, while watching sports, national holidays there is even a national braai day (heritage day). In the USA it’s called a barbeque (BBQ) in Kenya it’s referred to as yama choma.

It varies by the type of meat, sauce, rub or other flavorings used, at which point in barbecuing they are added, the role smoke plays, the equipment used, cooking temperature, and cooking time. You can include all types of foods; vegetables, fish, seafood, meats, pork, chicken, or even put some bread to roast. You can buy a goat or sheep marinade the ribs and shanks and put them on the grill.  The meats might be grounded for hamburgers or processed into sausages or kebabs.

If you don’t have a barbeque stand you can make an improvised one, by piling stones together in a  circle, place your fire in the middle and then place a chicken wire on top and you have a barbeque stand. 

To control the heat you pull the burning coals apart (to the sides) pile them closer together to increase the heat of the fire.

Make sure your meat cuts are not too thick, as it will take longer to cook.  Always marinate your meat at least 2 hours before cooking, (I prefer to marinate my meat over night gives it that juicy taste). The marinade will add flavor and keep your meat moist and tender.

Try these recipes:

 Chicken marinate

2 Garlic glove crushed

45ml Soy sauce
10ml/2 teaspoons clear honey

5ml sesame oil

10ml/ 2teaspoons crushed fresh ginger

8 Chicken portions

For meats

2 cloves crushed garlic

15ml Tamarind juice (soaked overnight)
5ml Black pepper and salt
Meat portions to fit 8 people

Basic fish marinade:

Fish steaks, or a whole fish
Garlic glove crushed
Black pepper and salt to taste
Lemon juice
Fresh dill

1. Mix all ingredients and rub onto meat then leave to stand for an hour before putting it on the fire.
2. Place the chicken, meat or fish on fire and allow cooking, turning continuously until the meat is thoroughly cooked or the blood is out of the meat.
3. Enjoy your barbecued meats with bread rolls or asida (ugali) and fresh green salads for a light summer meal accompanied by our hibiscus iced tea.

Remember a BBQ is incomplete without some chilled beverages and good music.

My little black book

For chicken and beef portions: Phoenicia
For spices: Phoenicia
For wines and assorted alcoholic beverages: Jit Supermarket
For fruits & vegetables: KonyoKonyo market they are always cheaper and have a variety

 

Asantewaa Eriyani lo-Liyong
Managing Director
Eriyani Hospitality: Catering & Events Company

 

For more delicious recipes or tips visit my blog:
asantewaaloliyong.blogspot.com