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Namibian Kapana

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time45 mins

Street food of grilled beef cut into pieces, served with a tomato-onion salsa.

Namibian kapana beef strips cooking over an open grill

Ingredients
 2 lbs beef sirloin or boneless chuck steak, cut into thick strips
 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil
 1 ½ tsp fine salt, divided
 1 tsp ground black pepper, divided
 1 tsp ground coriander
 1 tsp paprika
 ½ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
 1 small yellow or red onion, finely diced
 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
 2 tbsp white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
 1 small fresh green chile, finely chopped, optional
 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Directions
1

Prepare a charcoal grill for high direct heat, or heat a cast-iron grill pan over high heat until very hot.

2

Pat the beef dry. Toss it with the oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

3

Mix the coriander, paprika, cayenne, remaining salt, and remaining black pepper in a small bowl to make the kapana spice.

4

Combine the tomatoes, onion, cabbage, vinegar or lemon juice, green chile, and parsley. Toss well and set the salsa aside while the beef cooks.

5

Grill the beef in a single layer for 3 to 5 minutes per side, working in batches so it sears instead of steaming. Cook until browned outside and done to your preference.

6

Rest the beef for 5 minutes, then chop it into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle lightly with the kapana spice while the meat is still hot.

7

Serve immediately with the tomato-onion-cabbage salsa and the remaining spice on the side.

Notes

Kapana is traditionally grilled at open-air markets and served directly from the fire. A charcoal grill gives the most characteristic smoky flavor, but a very hot cast-iron grill pan also works. Keep the beef in large strips for grilling, then chop it just before serving. Nutrition is estimated per serving and excludes bread.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

5 ounces beef

Amount per serving
Calories360
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g27%

Saturated Fat 7g35%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 105mg35%
Sodium 690mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 4g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 35g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.