Durban Firestorm Sosaties

Introduction to Durban Firestorm Sosaties

The Durban Firestorm Sosaties are a traditional South African dish that beautifully blends spicy and savory flavors. The word "sosatie" has its origins in Malay, where "sate" means skewered meat, and "saus" refers to spicy sauce. These sosaties are a favorite at South African braais (barbecues) and are known for their vibrant flavors that echo the rich culinary history of Durban. Spices found in these sosaties were heavily influenced by Indian cuisine due to Durban's large Indian community, creating a fiery and aromatic delight.

Ingredients

• Lamb - 1 kg, boneless and cubed
• Red Wine Vinegar - 1/2 cup
• Curry Powder - 2 tablespoons
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Brown Sugar - 2 tablespoons
• Apricot Jam - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Onions - 2 large, quartered
• Dried Apricots - 100g
• Fresh Rosemary - 2 sprigs
• Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Skewers - for grilling

Preparation

Marinating the Lamb

1. In a large bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, curry powder, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, and brown sugar. Mix until the brown sugar has dissolved.

2. Add the apricot jam and minced garlic to the marinade. Stir until well combined.

3. Place the lamb cubes into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight for the flavors to penetrate thoroughly.

Preparing the Skewers

1. Soak the skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.

2. Alternate threading the marinated lamb cubes, onion quarters, and dried apricots onto the skewers. Add a sprig of fresh rosemary to each skewer for extra flavor.

Cooking Process

Grilling the Sosaties

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For timing reference, you can check using a cooking timer.

3. While grilling, occasionally baste the Durban Firestorm Sosaties with the remaining marinade for enhanced flavor and moisture.

Serving and Enjoying Your Dish

1. Once the sosaties are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skewers and serve hot.

2. Pair these flavorful skewers with a side of traditional South African pap, spicy chakalaka, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

3. Enjoy your Durban Firestorm Sosaties alongside friends and family, embracing the warmth and zest that this iconic South African dish brings.

These sosaties are not just a meal but an experience, bringing the traditions of Durban right to your table!