 | |
| Place of origin | Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Region or state | West Africa |
| Invented | 1852 |
| Main ingredients | Meat, chicken, shrimp |
| Variations | (Kilishi, Balangu) |
Suya, also known as "Tsire" is a traditional smoked spiced meat skewer which originates from Nigeria, and is a popular food item across West Africa. Suya is a large part of Hausa culture and food and is traditionally prepared and made by Hausa men, thus called 'Mai tsire'. While suya is the more widely recognized name in many areas of Nigeria, the Hausa community still predominantly uses the original name, tsire. Suya is generally made with skewered beef, ram, or chicken. Organ meats such as kidney, liver and tripe are also used. The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices, which include traditional Hausa dehydrated peanut cookie called 'Kuli-Kuli', salt, vegetable oil and other spices and flavorings, and then barbecued. There are many variation of Suya in traditional Hausa cooking (such as Balangu, Kilishi, etc.), but the most popular being Suya. Suya is traditionally served with an extra helping of mixed dried pepper, traditional hausa spices, and sliced onions. It is also traditionally served in Hausa culture with a side serving of Hausa Masa (soaked rice/grain/corn cakes). Halal meat preparation methods are normally used, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria where it originates as is customary with traditional Hausa foods, where the suspicion of nonconformity to Muslim dietary prohibitions in Suya preparation has been known to cause riots. A dried version of Suya is called Kilishi. It can be eaten with Masa, Kosai, Garri or Ogi.
There is no standard recipe for composing the complex mixture of spices and additives which make up the Suya marinade (called Yaji) and the spice mix served alongside it. Ingredients may vary according to personal and regional preferences.
Although Suya is a traditional Hausa Nigerian dish, it has permeated the Nigerian society, being affordable for all and available everywhere. It has been called a unifying factor in Nigeria. Suya has become a Nigerian national dish, with different regions claiming the superiority of their recipe and methods of preparation, but similar grilled meat recipes are common in many West African countries.
Ingredients
1. Meat– Beef (sirloin or tenderloin), chicken, or lamb, cut into thin strips.
2. Ground Peanuts – Finely ground roasted peanuts, often sifted to remove any coarse pieces.
3. Suya Spice Blend (Yaji), Paprika or Cayenne Pepper (for heat, depending on preference), Ginger Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Bouillon Powder (optional, for extra flavor)
4. Vegetable Oil (For coating the meat and keeping it moist).
5. Skewers (If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning).
Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Gas Cooker
- Water
- Salt
- Knife
Optional ingredients
Sliced onions and tomatoes (For serving alongside the suya).
Cucumber slices (For a refreshing side).
How to prepare Tsire (suya)
1. Mix the ground peanuts with the spices (yaji) to make a suya spice rub.
2. Coat the meat strips in vegetable oil, then rub them generously with the spice mix.
3. Thread the spiced meat onto skewers.
4. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked through, turning occasionally for even cooking.
5. Serve with sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
See also
References
- EKE, IRABOR ,OKOYE; et al. "THE MICROBIAL STATUS OF COMMERCIAL 'SUYA' MEAT PRODUCTS IN EKPOMA, EDO, NIGERIA" (PDF). International Journal of Community Research. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Nigerian roadside barbecue shacks thrive in the midst of Islamist insurgency". Raw Story - Celebrating 18 Years of Independent Journalism. 2012-05-22. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
- "Suya Wars | Alan Jacobs". First Things. Retrieved 2022-08-30.
- GAMBRELL, Jon (24 November 2012). "Suya, the thin-sliced spiced meat, unites Nigeria". Ann Arbor News. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
- Kemi (2020-09-02). "Nigerian Suya Recipe | Beef Suya". Recipe Vibes. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
- ImmaculateBites (2022-03-18). "Suya Recipe (Plus Video)". Immaculate Bites. Retrieved 2024-12-09.
External links
- Suya Meat and Vendor (Photograph), News Agency of Nigeria.
- Suya recipe
