Gambian Chicken with Lemon and Mustard (Yassa)
Yassa is a popular Gambian dish known for its tangy and flavorful marinade made with onions, lemons, and mustard. It is commonly prepared with chicken or fish and is loved for its zesty and aromatic taste. Yassa is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, couscous, or bread, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
4â5 large onions, thinly sliced
3 lemons, juiced
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
500 g chicken or fish, cut into pieces
In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions, lemon juice, vegetable oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme leaves, paprika, black pepper, and salt to make a marinade.
Add the chicken or fish pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
2 hours
Remove the chicken or fish from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or fish to the hot skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions from the marinade and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
Return the cooked chicken or fish to the skillet with the sautĂ©ed onions. Pour the reserved marinade over the meat and onions. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15â20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
15â20 minutes
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot with steamed rice, couscous, or bread.