Suya Seasoning (Yaji Spice)

Suya Seasoning is an spice blend from Nigeria and popular across much of Africa. It is a mix of Peanut Powder, Ginger, Cayenne, Smoked Paprika, Onion, Garlic and dry Chicken Bouillon. The peanut is an unusual ingredient to see in blends, but in Suya Seasoning it is essential. Traditionally, kuli-kuli is the source of peanut (it’s a dehydrated peanut cookie), but this blend uses peanut powder for ease of blending. There is very little salt in the blend – only that from the bouillon cubes. We’d recommending adding a little to bring the flavours out.

Suya Seasoning is a delicious blend that is great for use with thin slices of beef on a skewer. This is popular in north Africa, where they also use chicken, ram or offal such as kidney. You can incorporate it into whatever you want to – it goes very well with barbecue foods and other dishes that you grill or roast. WARNING – This blend contains peanut which some allergy sufferers are highly sensitive to.

The heat from chillies is a subjective thing, we find; what some may find too hot, others might find tame. Therefore, you should go easy on chillies, chilli powders and blends with chilli in them to find the heat level you like. If you are tasting as you go, you can always add more if you want, but removing heat from a dish can be very difficult.