Kilishi is a popular West African snack similar to beef jerky, but it has a distinctive taste due to the unique spices and ingredients used. Here’s a traditional recipe to make Kilishi at home:
### Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lean beef (preferably eye of round or similar cut)
- 1 cup roasted ground peanuts (peanut powder)
- 1/4 cup ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup water
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Meat:**
- Trim any excess fat from the beef.
- Freeze the beef for about 1-2 hours to make it easier to slice.
- Slice the beef against the grain into very thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. **Make the Marinade:**
- In a large bowl, mix the ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, paprika, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
- Add the vegetable oil, honey, and water to the dry mixture and stir to form a paste.
3. **Marinate the Beef:**
- Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated with the peanut spice mixture.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 1 hour. For a stronger flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
4. **Dry the Beef:**
- Preheat your oven to 170°F (75°C) or the lowest setting.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch drips and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the marinated beef strips on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
5. **Bake the Beef:**
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and prop the oven door open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape.
- Bake for 3-6 hours, turning the strips halfway through. The Kilishi is done when it is dry but still slightly pliable.
6. **Cool and Store:**
- Let the Kilishi cool completely on the rack.
- Store in an airtight container. Kilishi can be kept at room temperature for a few weeks or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Enjoy your homemade Kilishi!
