Yassa Ginar (Caramelized Lemon-Onion Braised Chicken)

The story

Rooted in the Jola culture of Casamance and coastal southwestern Gambia, Yassa Ginar is the quintessential dish for weddings, naming rites, and honored guests. The technique demands marinating chicken overnight in copious amounts of fresh citrus juice and French Dijon mustard before grilling over open charcoal. Slow, patient reduction of the onion marinade allows natural sugars to caramelize, creating a complex sweet, sour, and fiery balance.

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