Hilib Ari (Somali Slow-Roasted Goat)
Local name: Hilib ari
In short: Goat rubbed with garlic, cumin, black pepper and lime, then roasted slowly under foil with onions until tender and finished uncovered to brown. It takes about 3 h 50 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 3 h 30 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 3 h 50 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 335 kcal
Hilib ari is goat meat, a favorite for Somali feasts and cooked until it is tender enough to pull from the bone. Here it is rubbed with garlic, cumin, black pepper and lime, roasted slowly under foil with onions, then uncovered at the end to brown. Goat is lean, so slow, moist cooking is the key. Serve it with rice, canjeero or bread, a wedge of lime and hot sauce.
Instructions
- Mix the oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, pepper, cardamom, turmeric, salt and lime juice into a paste. Rub it all over the goat, cover and marinate for 2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Spread the onions in a large roasting pan, set the goat on top and pour in the water.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the meat is very tender and almost falls from the bone, about 90°C (195°F). Check at 2 hours and add a little water if the pan is dry.
- Remove the foil and raise the oven to 220°C (425°F). Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, basting with the pan juices, until the meat is browned in places.
- Rest for 15 minutes under loose foil.
- Serve with the onions and pan juices spooned over, with rice, canjeero or bread, lime wedges and hot sauce.
Tips
- Goat is lean and can turn tough if rushed. Keep the pan tightly covered and the oven low until the meat is very tender.
- Lamb shoulder works with the same method. Cut the covered roasting time by about 30 minutes.
Questions and answers
What does goat taste like?
Goat is milder than most people expect, a little sweet and leaner than lamb, with a rich meaty flavor. The garlic and spice rub suits it well.
Can I cook hilib ari in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the rubbed goat with the onions on low for 8 hours, then brown the pieces under the broiler for 5 to 8 minutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep the meat with its juices in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 160°C (325°F) oven until hot, or shred it into rice.
How long does it take to make Hilib Ari (Somali Slow-Roasted Goat)?
About 3 h 50 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 3 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hilib Ari (Somali Slow-Roasted Goat)?
About 335 kcal per serving, with 38 g of protein, 9 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 335 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
