Suya is a popular Nigerian night snack, made from thinly sliced pieces of meat. The meat can be beef, fish, chicken, offals like gizzard, liver, or even goatmeat. These are usually marinated in a mixture of spices, peanut sauce, and other ingredients, then grilled over an open flame. Preparing suya involves marinating thinly sliced meat in a mixture of spices and peanut sauce, then grilling to perfection. Suya sellers are mostly seen at night as they grill and sell to meat lovers.
But today, many foodies now buy the suya spice popularly known as Yaji and prepare the meat at home. However, the ones bought from the Suya sellers have their special taste! The yaji spice is a blend of ground dry peppers, ginger, garlic, onion, and often includes roasted peanuts (kuli-kuli), fermented locust beans, and some salt and seasoning to taste.
Suya as a spicy Nigerian snacky delight is often served with a side of onions, tomatoes, and peppers, as well as other accompaniments like cucumber, lettuce, cabbage and fresh carrots, to enhance the flavour and texture of the delicacy.
Simply put, Suya has grown from a northern Nigerian street snack to a national. Continental and global culinary delight, through all these accompaniments and more:
1. Onions: Thinly sliced onions, often served raw, add a pungent flavor and crunchy texture.
2. Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, sliced or diced, provide a burst of juicy sweetness.
3. Peppers: Sliced or chopped peppers, often Scotch bonnet or bell peppers, add a spicy kick.
4. Plantain: Fried or roasted plantain can be served alongside suya as a side dish.
5. Yam or sweet potato: Fried or roasted yam or sweet potato can also complement suya.
6.. Garri Ijebu: Trust many Nigerians and the popular side dish made from cassava flakes.
7. Salad: A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of suya.
8. Soft drinks: Popular soft drinks like cola, soda, or fanta, malt or any delightful drink can help cut the richness of suya.
9. Fresh juice: Freshly squeezed juice, such as pineapple, watermelon or orange, can provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Water: Staying hydrated is essential when enjoying spicy foods like suya, so water, room temperature or chilled is a good accompaniment of hot, spicy suya.
Recently, a culinary article published on gourmetguide234.com took a swipe at the potential health risks associated with suya as Professor Ngozi Nnam, a Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, suggested that suya consumption can increase the risk of cancer due to the reaction of meat and smoke during preparation, which produces toxic compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs).
However, Professor Nnam however suggested the eating suya with vegetables, such as onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and other vegetables, to reduce this risk. The suya spice mix, known as yaji, is believed to help ameliorate the negative effects of roasted red meat. To minimize the risks associated with suya consumption, consider eating it in moderation, adding vegetables, choosing lean meats, and being mindful of cooking methods.
Suya can be made with various types of meat, such as beef, chicken, goat meat, or fish. Its nutritional value varies depending on the meat and ingredients used. To make suya healthier, consider choosing leaner meats, using peanut sauce in moderation, and serving it with balanced sides like vegetables. Suya offers several potential health benefits due to its ingredients, including protein, iron, healthy fats, antioxidants, and social benefits.
Why should suya be listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List? The answer is simple – Suya can be described as a traditional and cultural street food that remains a communal snack readily relished by Nigerians and even diaspora of all ages. Social gatherings, especially Northern Nigerian gatherings sit with Suya, which is often served at social gatherings, parties, and festivals, bringing people together. The gatherings have moved from the North to every part of Nigeria. Virtually every street in the cities, towns and villages see the light and lamp of the Suya sellers at night.
The cultural identity of Suya is a symbol of Nigerian culture and hospitality, not just in the North, but across the country and beyond. Through the making and eating of Suya over the years from generation to generation, Suya is now recognised as a proudly Nigerian spicy snack that has demonstrated its cultural significance.
In terms of documentation, the meat has a strong evidence of cultural importance, including its history, preparation methods, and its role in the Nigerian society. In terms of its community involvement, many Suya, producers, vendors, distributors, consumers, and cultural experts form a strong value chain, especially looking at the economic capacity of Suya. Thus, it behooves the government to create a proper nomination file that would compile a detailed documentation of the role of this street snack, including photos, videos, and testimonials that would enable its listing in the UNESCO list.
Are there benefits of this UNESCO Recognition? Yes, the cultural preservation through this recognition would help preserve traditional Suya-making techniques and promote cultural heritage. It would boost tourism and economic benefits as well as cultural exchange. The most important is the global and international recognition of spicy Suya as Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity is displayed.
Let’s visit the kitchen…
Recipe for 5 servings
1. 1 pound beef, chicken, or goat meat, sliced into thin strips
2. 1/2 cup of yaji or peanut sauce (ground peanuts or peanut butter)
3. 2 tablespoons ginger paste
4. 1 tablespoon garlic paste
6. 1 teaspoon hot red pepper
7. Salt, seasoning and black pepper to taste
8. 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
9.Accompaniments: [Optional] onions, tomatoes, peppers for serving
Method
1. In a bowl, mix the peanut sauce, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin, peppers, seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add sliced the meat to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers, if desired.
5. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
6. Grill the meat for 10 minutes per side, or until the meat is properly cooked. Make sure it is well cooked.
7. Serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes, cucumber, cabbage, carrots and peppers. Aways remember that traditionally, suya is grilled over an open flame. This is what makes it Nigerian snacky meat.
