Discover how to make Boulfaf, a traditional North African dish featuring tender grilled meat skewers marinated in a flavorful spicy mixture. This recipe offers step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect balance of heat and aroma, ideal for BBQs and gatherings.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef or lamb (cut into bite-sized cubes)

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- 4 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 tablespoons paprika

- 1 tablespoon ground cumin

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

- Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:

  - In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a spice paste.

Marinate the Meat:

  - Add the cubed meat to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Grill:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Skewer the Meat:

  - Thread the marinated meat onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Grill the Skewers:

  - Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Serve:

  - Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides and dips.

Enjoy your flavorful Boulfaf as a delicious and spicy addition to any meal!

Nutritional Values

Beef or Lamb

 - Calories: 250-300

 - Protein: 25g

 - Fat: 20g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Iron: Important for oxygen transport in the blood.

 - Zinc: Supports immune function and skin health.

 - B Vitamins: Crucial for energy metabolism.

Olive Oil

 - Calories: 120

 - Fat: 14g (of which 2g are saturated fats)

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Monounsaturated Fats: Promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

 - Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.

 - Vitamin E: Contributes to skin health and immune function.

Garlic

 - Calories: 4

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Allicin: Has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

 - Antioxidants: Support cardiovascular health and may boost immune function.

 - Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Paprika

 - Calories: 20

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin A: Supports vision health and immune function.

 - Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage and support overall health.

 - Capsaicin: May boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Ground Cumin

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Iron: Supports red blood cell production and overall energy levels.

 - Antioxidants: Help reduce oxidative stress and support digestive health.

 - Digestive Health: May improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.

Ground Coriander

 - Calories: 20

 - Protein: 0.5g

 - Fat: 1g

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Help protect against free radical damage and support overall health.

 - Digestive Health: May alleviate symptoms of bloating and indigestion.

 - Anti-inflammatory: May help reduce inflammation and support joint health.

Ground Turmeric

 - Calories: 8

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits:

 - Curcumin: Has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 - Joint Health: May help reduce symptoms of arthritis and joint pain.

 - Digestive Health: Supports healthy digestion and may relieve symptoms of indigestion.

Chili Powder

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Capsaicin: May boost metabolism and promote fat burning.

 - Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.

 - Pain Relief: May have natural pain-relieving properties.

Ground Black Pepper

 - Calories: 6

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Piperine: Enhances the absorption of nutrients like curcumin from turmeric.

 - Digestive Health: May improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of bloating.

 - Antioxidants: Help protect against free radical damage.

Salt

 - Sodium: ~2300 mg

Benefits:

 - Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

 - Taste Enhancement: Improves flavor and overall enjoyment of foods.

Lemon Juice

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

 - Antioxidants: Help protect against oxidative stress and enhance absorption of iron from plant-based sources.

Fresh Parsley

 - Calories: 1

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin C and K: Supports immune function, bone health, and wound healing.

 - Antioxidants: Help reduce oxidative stress and support overall health.

 - Digestive Health: May aid in digestion and reduce bloating.

These ingredients not only enhance the flavor of Boulfaf but also offer a range of nutritional benefits that contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.