Afra

Name: Afra
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gambian
Ingredients: 500g beef or lamb, cut in cubes; 3 tbsp groundnut paste; 2 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt to taste; 2 onions, finely diced; 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, minced; Juice of 2 limes; Crusty bread for serving

Afra (AH-frah)

Grilled Spiced Meat

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 340 kcal

Smoky charcoal-grilled beef or lamb seasoned with a spicy groundnut paste, served with fiery onion sauce and crusty bread as popular Gambian street food.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 32.0g

Carbs 8.0g

Fat 20.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ peanuts

Equipment Needed

charcoal grill metal skewers small bowl for sauce

Presentation Guide

Vessel: wooden cutting board

Garnishes: onion sauce, lime wedges

Accompaniments: crusty bread, more onion sauce

Ingredients

500g beef or lamb, cut in cubes
3 tbsp groundnut paste
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste
2 onions, finely diced
2 Scotch bonnet peppers, minced
Juice of 2 limes
Crusty bread for serving

Instructions

1
Mix groundnut paste with cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oil, and salt to form a thick marinade.
2
Coat meat cubes thoroughly in the spice paste. Thread onto metal skewers.
3
Prepare the onion sauce by mixing diced onions, minced Scotch bonnet, lime juice, and salt.
4
Grill skewers over hot charcoal, turning frequently, for eight to ten minutes until charred and cooked through.
5
Slice the grilled meat off skewers and chop into bite-sized pieces on a wooden board.
6
Serve hot with the spicy onion sauce and crusty bread on the side.

💡

Did You Know?

Afra vendors are a fixture of Gambian nightlife, with the best spots drawing long lines of locals and tourists well past midnight.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

charcoal grill
metal skewers
small bowl for sauce

Garnishing

onion sauce, lime wedges

Accompaniments

crusty bread, more onion sauce

The Story Behind Afra

Afra represents the vibrant street food culture of urban Gambia, particularly in the Serrekunda and Bakau areas. This grilled meat tradition likely evolved from nomadic cooking techniques brought by Fula herders who settled along the Gambia River. The use of groundnut paste as a marinade is distinctly Gambian, reflecting the country's position as a major groundnut-producing nation. Today, afra stands are social gathering points that bring communities together.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed evening street food 📜 Origins: Urban Gambian street food tradition

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