Espetada on the coals, after its marination. Photo: Louis Pieterse 1 very lean beef fillet, membrane removed
Bay tree branches, slim – leave the leaves on
8 bay leaves
10 or 12 fat garlic cloves
125ml olive oil
125 ml Madeira
Coarse salt
Roast the garlic, in their husks, for 15 to 20 minutes, in a dry pan in the oven. Remove and let cool.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/louis-espetada-2-LARGE.jpg "Don't be afraid to let the flames do their work on the meat, imparting a superb smoky flavour. But not for too long... Photo: Louis Pieterse")
Combine the olive oil and Madeira (or sherry, or half sherry and half red wine vinegar) in a large bowl. Tear off oregano leaves and add. Add plenty of coarse salt (you judge this, I tend to be generous). Squeeze the softened garlic out of their husks, mash and add. Stir. Cut the fillet into fat cubes, about 2.5 cm thick. Add to bowl and massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, but even four hours will give them a good flavour. Skewer onto bay branches, pushing the leaves through too. It can be done. Braai over very hot coals, and let the flames get to them too. The tips of the branches may burn away and that’s okay – you’ll find the meat gets a wonderful smoky flavour. DM/TGIFood
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