South African Lamb Sosaties (Kebabs)

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Sosaties are a South African classic, combining tender, marinated lamb with the sweetness of dried apricots and the bite of onions. The yogurt-based curry marinade tenderizes the meat while adding a rich depth of flavor. Perfect for grilling, these skewers are a unique blend of savory and sweet, ideal for any outdoor gathering or braai.

This dish is versatile and can be made with chicken, beef, or venison in place of lamb. The apricots bring a caramelized sweetness when grilled, making them a wonderful contrast to the meat. Sosaties are sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or dinner party, offering a taste of South African tradition with every bite.

Full Recipe:

1 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, cubed into 1-inch pieces
1 cup cubed lamb stew meat
12 ounces dried apricots
8 kebab skewers

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix yogurt, curry powder, sugar, and vegetable oil to create a marinade.
Thread the lamb cubes, onion pieces, and dried apricot halves onto the skewers, alternating them.
Place the skewers in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring everything is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
Grill the skewers for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked to your liking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 172 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

The South African Lamb Sosaties, also known as lamb kebabs, are a traditional dish from South Africa, particularly popular in the Cape Malay community. Sosaties are a staple at a “braai,” which is the South African equivalent of a barbecue. The word “sosatie” originates from two Afrikaans words: “sate,” meaning skewered meat, and “saus,” meaning sauce, reflecting the marinated and skewered nature of the dish.

Key Features of the Dish:

Flavor Profile: This dish is a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The lamb is marinated in a yogurt-based sauce infused with curry powder, sugar, and oil. This combination tenderizes the meat and infuses it with rich, aromatic flavors. The dried apricots bring a sweet contrast to the savory lamb, and the onions add a sharp bite, making each skewer a balanced taste experience.
Cultural Significance: Sosaties have their roots in Cape Malay cuisine, which is known for its unique fusion of Malaysian, Indonesian, and Dutch flavors. This dish, like many in the Cape Malay tradition, showcases a love for spices, dried fruits, and slow, flavorful marination. It is often prepared for family gatherings or special occasions, particularly during outdoor braai sessions, where it’s paired with other South African favorites like boerewors (traditional sausage) or grilled vegetables.
Variations: While lamb is a popular choice for sosaties, the dish is highly versatile and can be made using beef, chicken, or venison. Some variations also include additional ingredients like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on the skewer to add color and texture. The marinade can be customized with different spices, such as adding garlic, vinegar, or using Cape Malay curry powder for a more authentic touch.

Cooking Tips:

Marination Time: For the best results, it’s crucial to marinate the lamb for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the meat to fully absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in tender and flavorful kebabs.
Grilling Technique: The sosaties are traditionally grilled over medium coals, which imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. If you don’t have access to a charcoal grill, a gas grill or even a broiler can be used, though you may miss out on that distinct smokiness. Be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and turn the skewers frequently for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Sosaties are often served with a side of yellow rice, a traditional South African accompaniment flavored with turmeric and raisins. They also pair well with fresh salads, grilled corn, or soft flatbreads for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information:

This dish is relatively healthy, especially if you use lean cuts of lamb. Each serving contains approximately 172 calories, 3 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. The dried apricots provide a good source of potassium and fiber, while the yogurt adds calcium to the dish.

Perfect for Special Occasions:

Sosaties are a great choice for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or any event where you want to offer a unique and flavorful dish. Their colorful presentation, with alternating meat, apricots, and onions, makes them visually appealing and perfect for serving at parties. Plus, they are easy to prepare in advance, making them a convenient yet impressive dish for entertaining guests.

The History Behind Sosaties

Sosaties date back centuries to South Africa’s Cape Malay community, which emerged during the colonial period when people from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, were brought to the Cape as slaves by the Dutch East India Company. They brought with them their rich culinary traditions, which have since evolved and merged with local ingredients and European influences, giving birth to the flavorful Cape Malay cuisine. Sosaties are one such culinary gift, blending spices, dried fruit, and marinated meats, a hallmark of Malay cooking.

The Unique Use of Dried Apricots

The inclusion of dried apricots in sosaties is one of the dish’s most unique aspects. While the idea of combining meat with fruit may seem unusual to some, it’s a common practice in Cape Malay and Middle Eastern cuisines, where sweet and savory elements are often paired to create complex, layered flavors. The dried apricots used in sosaties caramelize slightly when grilled, adding a lovely, sweet glaze that contrasts beautifully with the curry-marinated lamb. This combination creates a rich taste experience where each bite offers a balanced contrast between sweet and savory.

Health Benefits

Lamb is an excellent source of protein, providing essential amino acids that support muscle growth and tissue repair. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system and energy levels. Apricots, on the other hand, are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and potassium, which help support heart health and digestion. The yogurt marinade not only helps tenderize the meat but also adds probiotics, which can aid in gut health. For those mindful of their diet, sosaties offer a balanced meal when paired with healthy sides like grilled vegetables or a light salad.

Modern Adaptations

While the traditional sosatie recipe uses lamb, many modern variations have emerged to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Chicken sosaties are a popular alternative for those who prefer poultry, and vegetarian versions using paneer, tofu, or hearty vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms can also be made. Some recipes even incorporate bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition. Additionally, the curry marinade can be adjusted to suit personal preferences—whether by adding more heat with chili flakes or by using a milder curry for a more subtle flavor.

Regional Variations

Across South Africa, there are slight regional variations in how sosaties are prepared. In the Cape Malay tradition, the marinade often features a mix of mild curry, vinegar, and sugar to create a tangy-sweet flavor, while other parts of the country might use more robust spices or opt for beef and venison instead of lamb. In some instances, the kebabs are not grilled but baked, offering a different texture and taste.

Perfect Pairings for Sosaties

Sosaties are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving them with complementary dishes. For a truly South African meal, you can serve sosaties with:

Yellow rice: Infused with turmeric and raisins, this rice dish adds a bright, fragrant, and slightly sweet touch to your meal.
Pap: A traditional South African maize porridge, similar to polenta, that is often served with barbecued meats.
Chutneys or relishes: Sosaties pair wonderfully with fruit-based chutneys like mango or apricot, enhancing the sweet-savory balance.
Grilled vegetables: Skewered zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, grilled alongside the sosaties, add a healthy and colorful element to the meal.
Flatbreads or roti: For a more substantial meal, serve sosaties with warm, soft flatbreads to wrap around the meat and apricots.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

To make your sosaties more visually appealing for a party or event, you can use multicolored bell peppers on the skewers, alternating between vibrant reds, yellows, and greens. This not only enhances the dish’s aesthetic appeal but also adds a crunchy, sweet flavor to complement the lamb and apricots.

For a more rustic presentation, serve the grilled sosaties on a large platter with a side of fresh herbs and a drizzle of lemon juice or yogurt sauce. You can garnish the dish with extra apricots, cilantro, or fresh mint for an added burst of color and flavor.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Entertaining

Sosaties are an excellent choice for entertaining because they can be prepped ahead of time. Marinating the meat overnight not only enhances the flavor but also reduces the work required on the day of your event. All you need to do is grill them fresh when your guests arrive, making them a hassle-free yet impressive dish. Their bold, complex flavors, paired with their colorful presentation, make them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering, whether it’s a casual family BBQ or a more formal outdoor dinner party.

Cooking Alternatives for Different Seasons

While sosaties are traditionally grilled, they can also be adapted for year-round cooking. During colder months, you can prepare them using an indoor grill pan or bake them in the oven. To bake, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, turning them halfway through. This method ensures you can enjoy the flavors of sosaties even when it’s not barbecue season.

Fun Fact: The Social Aspect of a South African Braai

A braai, or South African barbecue, is not just about the food—it’s a social event where friends and family gather around the fire to cook, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. The slow, relaxed nature of a braai, where people take time to prepare and share their meals, reflects the importance of food in South African culture as a means of bringing people together. Sosaties, with their vibrant flavors and long marination process, are perfectly suited for this kind of communal, celebratory cooking experience.

Conclusion

South African Lamb Sosaties offer a delicious combination of tender lamb, sweet dried apricots, and savory spices, making them a perfect dish for any barbecue or gathering. Rooted in Cape Malay tradition, these flavorful kebabs bring together a unique blend of cultural influences, offering a taste of South African cuisine that is both rich and versatile. Whether grilled at a traditional braai or prepared in the oven, sosaties are easy to make, visually appealing, and sure to impress. With endless customization options, they’re perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a unique weeknight meal.