Discover how to make Niafounké, a traditional dish of grilled beef or goat, seasoned with aromatic local spices. This flavorful recipe brings together tender meat and a blend of spices for a delicious and authentic experience. Perfect for those who love exploring diverse cuisines, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly grilled Niafounké, ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg beef or goat meat (cubed)

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 large onion (finely chopped)

- 4 cloves garlic (minced)

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1 tsp ground coriander

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

- 1 tsp ground chili (optional, for heat)

- Juice of 1 lemon

- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

Marinate the Meat:

  - In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, black pepper, salt, and ground chili (if using). Mix well.

  - Add the cubed meat to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare the Grill:

  - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Grill the Meat:

  - Remove the meat from the marinade and thread the pieces onto skewers.

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

Finish and Serve:

  - Remove the meat from the grill and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it.

  - Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Enjoy:

  - Serve the Niafounké hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, salad, or flatbread.

Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference. Enjoy this delicious and aromatic grilled meat dish!

Nutritional Values:

Beef or Goat Meat:

 - Calories: 250-270 kcal

 - Protein: 26g

 - Fat: 17g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - High in protein: Essential for muscle growth and repair.

 - Rich in iron: Helps in the production of red blood cells and prevents anemia.

 - Contains B vitamins: Important for energy metabolism and brain health.

Olive Oil:

 - Calories: 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g (of which monounsaturated fat: ~10g)

Benefits:

 - Heart-healthy fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support cardiovascular health.

 - Antioxidants: Contains vitamin E and polyphenols which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Onion:

 - Calories: 40 kcal

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 9g (including dietary fiber: 1.7g)

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants: Contains quercetin which helps reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.

 - Supports heart health: May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 149 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Carbohydrates: 33g (including dietary fiber: 2.1g)

Benefits:

 - Immune boosting: Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Heart health: May help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Ground Cumin:

 - Calories: 8 kcal

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Digestive health: May aid in digestion and relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 - Antioxidant properties: Helps neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Paprika:

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamin A: Supports eye health and immune function.

 - Anti-inflammatory: Contains capsaicin which may help reduce inflammation and pain.

Ground Coriander:

 - Calories: 5 kcal

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.3g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Digestive health: May help improve digestion and reduce bloating.

 - Antioxidant: Contains compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Black Pepper:

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

Benefits:

 - Enhanced absorption: Increases the bioavailability of other nutrients.

 - Digestive health: May help improve digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.

Salt:

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg

Benefits:

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

 - Flavor enhancer: Adds taste to dishes, which can reduce the need for excessive seasoning.

Lemon Juice:

 - Calories: 4 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Vitamin C: Supports immune function and skin health.

 - Digestive aid: May help improve digestion and add a fresh flavor to dishes.

Fresh Cilantro:

 - Calories: 1 kcal

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Contains compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

 - Detoxification: May help in the removal of heavy metals from the body.

This combination of ingredients not only enhances the flavor of Niafounké but also provides various health benefits, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for your meals.