Entree: South Africa – Johannesburg & Gauteng – Sosaties (Spiced skewered meat marinated in a sweet-tangy Cape Malay-style sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 12 min

Additional 4 hrs

Total 4 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 1.5 lb (680 g) lamb shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1/2 cup (160 g) apricot jam
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mango or chutney-style chutney
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) white vinegar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp (14 g) mild curry powder
- 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, grated (about 1 tbsp / 15 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely grated (about 1/2 cup / 80 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground turmeric
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 12 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes or metal skewers
- 3/4 cup (110 g) dried apricots, halved
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together apricot jam, chutney, white vinegar, vegetable oil, curry powder, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, grated onion, turmeric, coriander and cumin until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
2. Place lamb cubes in a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour marinade over meat, massaging to coat. Refrigerate and marinate at least 4 hours or preferably overnight for best flavor.
3. When ready to cook, thread marinated lamb onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, alternating with dried apricot halves, red onion wedges, and bell pepper pieces; leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (or preheat broiler). Brush grill grates lightly with oil. Grill sosaties, turning occasionally and basting with remaining marinade, until lamb is nicely charred on the edges and cooked to medium (about 8–12 minutes depending on thickness).
5. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges and a side of yellow rice or chilled cucumber sambal.