Just a little humor added to my favorite meat.
“Goatober’s Coming”
Okay, it’s true, “Goatober” is fast approaching as the Official month of “Goat Meat.” Although, I don’t think Hallmark Cards has caught on. The real truth is that two-thirds of the world already eat goat meat, cheese and prefer goat milk. Are you surprised yet?
Much of the world is ahead of the game when it comes to the “Other red meat” and its nutritional value. Yet the infusion of goat meat in America is more like snail mail. There is a general attitude that goat meat is “gamey.” Nevertheless, goat is usually found in local farmers markets, niche markets specializing in ethnic foods from different countries, and of course, a whole foods store. <img class="size-medium wp-image-31" src="https://edjeca.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/goat-tied-at-tree.jpg?w=300" alt=" In the Congo a goat delivered on a motorcycle in Kikwit" from the village chief is a supreme gift. width="300"
So here in Congo (Zaire) goat meat is a sheer delicacy!
The cultural immersion of “goat meat” could be a saving grace for Americans and the growing health problems of diabetes, cholesterol and hypertension that come with American fast food, red meat, and eating processed foods. Another added advantage is that goat meat hasn't shown up in one of those fattening food slide shows on the web. Goat meat has less fat and more protein and can be ground, cubed, curried, stewed or barbecued.
Goat is as normal a choice as chicken or fish at the local markets; and the goats are really fresh because their tied to the poles waiting for a buyer to make their selection.
So, how do you know a good goat from a bad goat…you got me.???? So, off we go to Zigida Market for a goat buying trip. My kids are excited for very different reasons, one thinks it will make another pet, while the oldest knows, the goat is going on the grill. Nevertheless, the right side of my brain says, there’s a logic to this goat buying business, so just ask the seller the kilos of the goat and multiply. The goat seller estimates the goat is about 20 kilos, then he raises the hind legs and murmurs something in French, my small daughter translates, mom, that’s a man goat, (uh huh…ok), so that’s suppose make the difference in my decision…. I think)…so instead, I multiplied the kilos by the per piece price of 15000CF per kilo (ka…ching! $16.30…hmmm.) So, the goat seller says, “this goat is $125.00, but we can talk, meaning “ lets haggle…yeah! I’ve already got my money separated just like shopping at a yard sale. You know $100 in the right bra pocket $50 in my “mind your own business bag,” thats the black plastic bag and a bunch of francs in my purse. Hint… the whole goat is cheaper than by the kilo, I’m thinking silently.
Now we’re talking something I can understand…kilos, dollars and selling price, I’m back to the right brain analogy. I ask the goat seller who will do the slaughtering, using my normal French Lingala melange (mix) and sign language. I make a cutting sign across my own neck and pointing to the goat. He grabs his long machete and says very proudly, “Moi madame.” Oh good, I say, as though we are all speaking the same language. By now, I’ve given you enough time to do the math for yourself…so you know goat pricing isnot about logic, its about haggling.
To put the rumors to bed, the goat I’ve had doesn’t seem gamy, but I’ve been eating goat, “cabrito” all my life. Some people will tell you to use a little vinegar to par boil the goat chops, or meat tenderizer. Goat meat is a sweet substitute for “the other red meat,” and the preparation is very similar. The combination of goat meat coated in “Suya seasoning of roasted peanuts, pepper, salt and oil in West Africa is a best memories experience. Goat meat has a special meaning around midnight at a party or wedding in West Africa. Goat soup or (Pepper soup with fish )with a lots of scotch bonnet pepper normally starts the ending of the party with a sobering goat soup with fufu.
Did I mention the local delicacy of goat’s head and intestines soup in the Kasai Province? You will be able to tell where people are from if you start preparing the goat’s skin, as the aroma attracts its normal followers. Barbecue goat with a side of plantain, or chikwanga (fermented bread steamed in leaves) are a common demand in Bonne Marche. But if you want to enjoy grilled goat barbecue, Bonn Marche is the place to buy a morsel or two at 2500CF ($2.71) a piece. The chef will chop this into many pieces, add seasoning and you can ask for natural oil from the goat itself or vegetable oil….as he wraps it in butcher block paper for the grill.
Happy Goatober!
Congo Eats 
