We all love Suya (most Nigerians, anyway). This peppery, meaty delicacy is traditionally prepared by the Hausa people of northern Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, and some parts of Sudan (where it is called agashe). However, it has become a popular dish enjoyed by millions of Nigerians – irrespective of tribe – because of its availability and affordability. It is not unusual to find at least one suya spot on every street in Lagos in the evenings; with many people – young and old – gathering around, negotiating with the “Mai suya” and beaming with smiles when they strike a good deal.
Suya is that good! But the best part is that it is also very easy to make, and preparing it yourself is a great way to ensure it’s cooked right and in the best of hygienic conditions.
Why not treat your family and friends to a plate of suya, straight from your kitchen? Or better yet, prepare and serve the dish at the next big party for a fee (great business idea, right?)
Here’s a simple recipe to use:
INGREDIENTS
1. 1 kg of thin beef fillets (Tip: the less beef fat, the better)
2. 1 pack of Suya spice (This is available for purchase in grocery stores or markets)
3. Groundnut or peanut oil
4. Salt
TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
1. Skewers or sticks
2. Cooking brush
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the sticks in cold water for about 5-6 hours.
2. Thread the fillets of beef on the suya sticks.
3. Mix up some of your groundnut (peanut) oil in a bowl with a small quantity of salt.
4. With a cooking brush, rub the oil on the threaded fillets of beef (this helps the beef stay on the sticks)
5. Place the beef on a wide plate and dab as much suya spice on the strips as desired.
6. Cover the plate of beef with thin plastic film and leave to marinate for 1 hour.
7. After the beef’s been fully marinated, set your oven to preheat for 10 minutes. (Tip: Grill temperature should be 150°C or about 300°F)
8. Grill beef in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, flipping it over at 15 minute intervals.
9. Use your cooking brush to dab the remaining oil on the spiced up suya, and leave to cook for 5 minutes.
10. Your suya’s now ready to serve! Garnish your dish with chopped onions, cabbage and tomatoes.
About the Writer: Ify Halim is a young Creative and a promoter of values through the force that is writing. Follow her on twitter: @MissHalim
