Sheep Head

Description

Sheep Head

Sheep Head, also known as skopo or smiley, is a South African delicacy that holds cultural significance. While preparation methods vary across different cultures in South Africa, I’ll share a flavorful recipe prepared in the Indian style with an abundance of spices. This Sheep Head Curry pairs wonderfully with Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve wine.

Sheep Head Curry Ingredients:

• 1 kg sheep head (cut and cleaned)
• 2 green chillies
• 1 onion
• 1 tomato
• 2 teaspoons ginger and garlic paste
• 2 potatoes
• 1 star aniseed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cardamom (elaichi) powder
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander (dhania) powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
• ½ teaspoon fennel (oomph) seeds
• 4 tablespoons chilli powder or masala
• 1 tablespoon red chilli flakes
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• A few sprigs of thyme
• ½ cup fresh coriander (dhania)
• 1 bottle Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve (to pair with this dish)
• Boiling water as needed

Method:

1. Rinse the sheep’s head and place it in a bowl. For this recipe, we won’t use the tongue and brains (usually packed separately), but you can add them if preferred.
2. Peel and chop the onion. Rinse and slit the green chillies. Blend the tomatoes until fine and liquid-like (or cut them into small pieces).
3. Peel and rinse the potatoes, cutting them into quarters.
4. In a pot on medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion, slit green chillies, and sprigs of thyme. Add cinnamon stick, star aniseed, bay leaves, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds. Mix well.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chilli flakes, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli powder or masala, cardamom powder, and ginger-garlic paste. Mix well.
6. Add the rinsed sheep head, salt to taste, and coat it in the spices. Cover and allow the meat to seal in the flavours for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the blended or grated tomatoes, chopped coriander, curry leaves, and a little boiling water. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until the meat is tender.
8. Poke the skin with a knife – if it goes through easily, the meat is cooked.

Enjoy your flavorful Sheep Head Curry with steamed bread or pap! 🇿🇦🍲¹2.