Dambu Nama Recipe

Dambu Nama, also known as beef jerky, is a popular Nigerian snack made from spiced, dried beef. It is often enjoyed as a protein-packed snack or added to stews and soups for added flavor. In this recipe, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make Dambu Nama from scratch.

Originating from Northern Nigeria, Dambu Nama is a traditional food that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a staple food in many parts of West Africa and is a popular snack in Nigeria. The recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, and the ingredients used have remained largely the same over the years.

Now, let's get started with the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. of beef (top round or flank steak)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)

• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

• 1/4 cup of peanut oil (or any vegetable oil)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl

• Plastic wrap

• Baking sheet

• Oven with a low temperature setting or food dehydrator

• Blender or food processor

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven or food dehydrator to a low temperature setting (between 140-170 degrees F).

2. Trim any excess fat from the beef and cut it into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.

3. In a blender or food processor, blend the onion, garlic, ginger, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until smooth.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef strips and the spice mixture. Use your hands to mix everything together, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the spice mixture.

5. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.

6. After marinating, remove the beef strips from the mixing bowl and pat them dry with paper towels.

7. Place the beef strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they are not touching each other.

8. Brush the beef strips with peanut oil (or any vegetable oil) on both sides.

9. Place the baking sheet in the oven or food dehydrator and let the beef strips dry for about 4-6 hours, or until they are dry and chewy. Flip the beef strips over halfway through the drying process to ensure even drying.

10. Once the beef strips are dried, remove them from the oven or food dehydrator and let them cool completely.

11. Store the Dambu Nama in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Allergy Concerns: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. If you have any other allergies, please be sure to check the ingredients carefully before making this recipe.

Calories Intake: Each serving of Dambu Nama contains approximately 200-250 calories.

Healthy Alternatives: To make this recipe even healthier, you can use lean cuts of beef and reduce the amount of oil used for brushing. You can also use smoked sea salt instead of regular salt to add flavor without adding extra sodium.

Spicy Level: The cayenne pepper in this recipe adds a nice level of spiciness, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer a milder Dambu Nama, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.

Kitchen Equipment and Ingredients on Amazon:

• Baking sheet: Click to Buy

• Food dehydrator: Click to Buy

• Blender: Click to Buy

• Food processor: Click to Buy

• Beef top round: Click to Buy

• Smoked paprika: Click to Buy

• Cayenne pepper: Click to Buy

• Peanut oil: Click to Buy

We hope you find this recipe and information helpful! Enjoy making and eating your homemade Dambu Nama snack!