Dwaso Grill

The Dwaso Grill is a succulent and vibrant dish that blends the savory flavors of grilled seafood and meats with a distinctive African influence. "Dwaso" means market in the Ga language spoken in Ghana, and just as markets are bustling with diverse ingredients and spices, this dish combines a range of tastes and textures.

History of Dwaso Grill

The concept of grilling meats and seafood over open flame dates back to ancient times across different cultures. In West Africa, the tradition of grilling is central to many culinary practices. In Ghana, local markets inspire a plethora of recipes, with vendors offering fresh options from farmers, fishers, and spice blenders. The Dwaso Grill draws inspiration from these rich markets, bringing together the freshest ingredients and home-made marinades to create a flavorful experience.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts - 2 pieces
• Shrimp - 250g, peeled and deveined
• Red Onion - 1 large, cut into wedges
• Bell Peppers - 2 assorted, cut into squares
• Zucchini - 1 medium, sliced
• Garlic Cloves - 4, minced
• Ginger - 2 inches, grated
• Soy Sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cayenne Pepper - 1 teaspoon
• Lime - Juice of 1
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Fresh Cilantro - for garnish

Preparation

Marinating the Proteins

1. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to form a marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts and shrimp into the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Vegetables

1. While the proteins are marinating, prepare the vegetables. Cut the red onion into wedges and the bell peppers into squares. Slice the zucchini into rounds.
2. Place the vegetables in a separate bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.

Cooking Process

Once all elements are prepared, it's time to grill.

Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Begin by grilling the chicken breasts. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes until fully cooked and charred marks appear. You can check cooking times with a timer for accuracy.
3. While the chicken is cooking, skewer the marinated shrimp onto bamboo skewers (soaked in water). Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the prepared vegetables to the grill. Cook them until they have char marks and are tender.

How to Enjoy

The Dwaso Grill is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Lay out a platter with the grilled chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch of freshness. Serve with a side of steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the wonderful flavors, and don't forget a fresh salad or a tangy yogurt dressing to complement the smokey grilled flavors. Enjoy this dish with family and friends for a true market-like experience at home.