The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe is a traditional dish with a rich history and a delicious taste. These skewered lamb kebabs are marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices, dried fruits, and vinegar, creating a unique and savory flavor profile.
Historically, sosaties have deep roots in South African cuisine, particularly among the Cape Malay community. They are believed to have originated from Indonesian and Malay influences during the spice trade era. The name “sosatie” is derived from the Indonesian word “sate,” which means skewered meat, reflecting the dish’s Indonesian origins.
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In terms of health benefits, lamb is a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. The marinade, which includes ingredients like turmeric and ginger, provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the dried fruits in the recipe add natural sweetness and fiber to the dish.
Preparation and cooking times for this recipe may vary depending on individual preferences and the size of the lamb cubes used. Typically, the lamb is marinated for several hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. Once marinated, the lamb is skewered along with the dried fruits, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
In summary, the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe is a culturally significant dish with a tantalizing blend of flavors. It offers nutritional benefits, making it a wholesome choice for those seeking a delightful and nourishing meal.
How To Make Our South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
Ingredients (4 Servings)
Lamb
4½ lb lamb shoulder
3 1/3 cups large dried apricots
3 onions cut into 1 inch wedges
Marinade
4 oz apricot jam
2¾ fl oz white wine vinegar
1/4 cups brown sugar
3 bay leaves
4 chopped garlic cloves finely
2 tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp mild curry powder
Marinating Time: 8 Hours
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
Instructions
1. Get the lamb marinating a day ahead of time. You will need 12 metal skewers.
2. Put all the marinade ingredients in a big basin and mix them together.
3. Take a quarter of the marinade and put it in a separate bowl. Toss the lamb chunks in the remaining marinade. Place in the fridge overnight.
4. For 30 minutes, or until plump, soak dried apricots in boiling water. Drain and put away. Put three apricot slices and three onion wedges on each skewer, then four pieces of lamb.
5. Prepare a grill or chargrill for medium heat. Skewers should be grilled for 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade and turning to brown all sides.
Pots, Pans and Cooking Equipment Needed for The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
Skewers
Mixing bowls
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Basting brush
Grill or grill pan
Mixing spoon
Best Way to Store Leftovers From The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
a. Place leftovers in an airtight container.
b. Refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.
c. Consume within 2-3 days.
d. Reheat in an oven or microwave.
e. Avoid leaving leftovers at room temperature.
f. Do not freeze leftovers as it may affect texture.
Top Ways to Make A Better The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
Soak skewers in water before use to prevent burning.
Marinate lamb for at least 2 hours for flavor.
Baste sosaties with marinade while grilling.
Grill over medium heat for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Serve with a dipping sauce for added flavor.
Consider using metal skewers for durability.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
Cube lamb pieces uniformly for consistent cooking.
Choose quality cuts of lamb for better taste.
Customize marinade with preferred spices.
Alternate lamb with vegetables for variety.
Precook vegetables if using on sosaties.
Soak wooden skewers to prevent splintering.
Allow sosaties to rest before serving.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
a. Yellow rice
b. Grilled corn on the cob
c. Tomato salad
d. Coleslaw
e. Potato salad
f. Garlic bread
g. Cucumber raita
How To Serve the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
a. Grill sosaties until lamb is cooked to desired doneness.
b. Arrange on a serving platter.
c. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
d. Serve hot with side dishes.
e. Enjoy this South African delicacy with friends and family.
f. Provide dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Dietary Substitution For The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
1. Vegan Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Replace lamb with marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh.
b. Use plant-based sausages instead of lamb.
c. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for sweetness.
d. Use vegan yogurt or coconut yogurt in the marinade.
e. Replace butter with a vegan butter or olive oil.
2. Gluten-Free Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Ensure sausages and sauces are gluten-free.
b. Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs.
c. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in the marinade.
d. Check that dried fruits are gluten-free.
e. Serve with gluten-free side dishes like rice or quinoa.
3. Vegetarian Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Replace lamb with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms.
b. Use vegetarian sausages or bratwurst.
c. Substitute animal-based broth with vegetable broth.
d. Replace butter with olive oil.
e. Use flaxseed or chia seed gel as an egg binder.
4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Use lean lamb or turkey sausage.
b. Incorporate Mediterranean spices like oregano and thyme.
c. Serve with a Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce on the side.
d. Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter.
e. Pair with a Greek salad with olives and feta.
5. Keto Diet Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Choose fattier cuts of lamb or pork.
b. Replace bread crumbs with almond flour.
c. Opt for a low-carb or sugar-free barbecue sauce.
d. Include keto-friendly spices like paprika and garlic powder.
e. Serve with a side of cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.
6. Heart-Healthy Diet Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Choose lean cuts of lamb or pork.
b. Use whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber.
c. Replace butter with heart-healthy olive oil.
d. Marinate with low-sodium soy sauce.
e. Serve with steamed vegetables and a side salad.
7. Paleo Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Use grass-fed beef sausage or wild game meat.
b. Replace bread crumbs with almond meal.
c. Substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil.
d. Marinate with coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
e. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and vegetables.
8. Low Carb Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Choose low-carb sausages or sausage with minimal filler.
b. Replace bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds.
c. Use a low-carb sweetener in the marinade.
d. Include low-carb spices like smoked paprika and cayenne.
e. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
9. Whole30 Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Use compliant sausages without added sugar or fillers.
b. Replace bread crumbs with almond flour.
c. Choose ghee instead of butter.
d. Marinate with coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
e. Serve with steamed broccoli and carrots.
10. Weight Watchers Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Use lean cuts of lamb or pork.
b. Opt for turkey or chicken sausage with lower points.
c. Replace regular bread crumbs with whole wheat bread crumbs.
d. Use a light or reduced-fat butter substitute.
e. Serve with a side of zero-point vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
11. Low Fat Options for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Choose lean cuts of lamb or pork loin.
b. Use turkey or chicken sausage with lower fat content.
c. Replace butter with a low-fat cooking spray.
d. Marinate with a low-fat or fat-free broth.
e. Serve with steamed vegetables and a side salad.
12. Vegetable Variations for the South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe:
a. Replace lamb with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms.
b. Use vegetarian sausages or bratwurst.
c. Substitute animal-based broth with vegetable broth.
d. Replace butter with olive oil.
e. Use flaxseed or chia seed gel as an egg binder.
“It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. Please note that these substitutions are provided as options to align the recipe with various dietary preferences and restrictions. Always check labels and choose ingredients that fit your specific dietary needs. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.”
Final Thoughts
“We are a couple who has visited and sampled food in every country in the world. We strive to get a local recipe for every dish we place on our blog. Some we have cooked in our kitchen, but most we enjoyed in the restaurants and streets of the world. Our thoughts and opinions are based on the food we loved the most, and you may find them and others you will fall in love with as well. Please enjoy the recipe and comment below.”
Sosaties are a popular South African dish known for their flavorful skewered lamb. To make this South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe, start by marinating cubed lamb pieces in a mixture of spices, dried fruits, and vinegar. Allow the lamb to soak up these flavors for at least two hours. Once marinated, thread the lamb onto skewers, alternating with dried fruits.
Grill the sosaties over medium heat, basting them with the marinade for a delicious glaze. The result is tender, succulent lamb with a sweet and savory taste. This dish has deep historical roots in South African cuisine, reflecting the influence of Indonesian and Malay flavors during the spice trade era. It’s a culinary journey worth experiencing.
Sosaties are not just about the taste; they also offer health benefits. Lamb is a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. The marinade, featuring spices like turmeric and ginger, provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The dried fruits in the recipe add natural sweetness and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.
Serve your South African Lamb Sosaties hot with a variety of side dishes like yellow rice, tomato salad, or coleslaw. Don’t forget to provide dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor. Whether you’ve had the pleasure of trying sosaties in South Africa or are experiencing them for the first time, this recipe captures the essence of this South African culinary delight. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, and savor the unique flavors it brings to your table.
The South African Lamb Sosaties Recipe
Equipment
- Skewers
- Mixing bowls
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Basting brush
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
Lamb
- 4½ lb lamb shoulder
- 3 1/3 cups apricots large dried
- 3 onions cut into 1 inch wedges
Marinade
- 4 oz apricot jam
- 2¾ oz white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3 bay leaves
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 2 tsp turmeric ground
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp curry powder mild
Instructions
- Get the lamb marinating a day ahead of time. You will need 12 metal skewers.
- Put all the marinade ingredients in a big basin and mix them together.
- Take a quarter of the marinade and put it in a separate bowl. Toss the lamb chunks in the remaining marinade. Place in the fridge overnight.
- For 30 minutes, or until plump, soak dried apricots in boiling water. Drain and put away. Put three apricot slices and three onion wedges on each skewer, and four pieces of lamb.
- Prepare a grill or chargrill for medium heat. Skewers should be grilled for 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the leftover marinade and turning to brown all sides.
