Ntaba (Congolese Grilled Goat)
In short: Goat marinated in lemon, garlic, ginger and chili, simmered until tender, then grilled until charred, a Congolese favorite served with plantains. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 45 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 245 kcal
Ntaba is the Lingala word for goat, and grilled goat is a favorite at open-air grills and family gatherings. The meat is marinated in lemon, garlic, ginger and fiery pili-pili, simmered until it is nearly tender, then grilled so the outside chars and the inside stays juicy. Serve it with fried plantain, chikwangue and plenty of pili-pili. Lamb shoulder makes a good substitute.
Instructions
- Mix the onions, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of oil, chili, salt, pepper and thyme in a large bowl. Add the goat and rub the marinade into every piece.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Put the goat and all of the marinade in a heavy pot with the water. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam. Cover and simmer on low heat for 60 to 75 minutes, until the meat is nearly tender.
- Lift the meat out and keep the juices. Pat the pieces dry and brush them with the remaining oil. Boil the juices uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until reduced to a thick onion sauce.
- Heat a grill or broiler to high. Grill the goat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until charred in spots and very tender. The meat should be well above 63°C (145°F) throughout.
- Serve hot with the reduced sauce spooned over, fried plantain or chikwangue, sliced onion and tomato, lemon wedges and pili-pili.
Tips
- Goat is lean and tough, so the simmer before grilling is not optional. Shoulder or leg with the bone in gives the most flavor. Lamb shoulder works the same way but needs only about 45 minutes of simmering.
- Keep the thickened cooking juices. Spooned over the grilled meat, they make a sauce that is also excellent over rice or plantain.
Questions and answers
Can I roast ntaba in the oven instead?
Yes. After simmering, roast the pieces on a rack at 230°C (450°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, or broil them for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
What is pili-pili?
Pili-pili is the Congolese name for very hot chili peppers and for the fiery sauce made from them. It is served on the side so everyone can add as much heat as they like.
Can I use pork instead of goat?
Yes. Pork shoulder pieces also work, simmered for about 45 minutes and then grilled until they reach at least 63°C (145°F) in the center.
How long does it take to make Ntaba (Congolese Grilled Goat)?
About 2 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ntaba (Congolese Grilled Goat)?
About 245 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 245 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
