[Foodie Friday] Three African grill delicacies for all meat lovers

Suya — Photo Credit: Nate Minor

Suya

West Africans can attest to the fact that Suya (meat kebab) tastes so heavenly. This is a very popular street food and delicacy in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Niger and some parts of Sudan.

Check out the recipe for Suya courtesy geniuskitchen.com.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 teaspoons finely ground roasted peanuts
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon red peppers or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 lbs beef, cut into bite-sized pieces (beef, chicken, etc.)
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 tomatoes, cut into chunks (optional)
• 1 sweet green pepper, cleaned and cut into chunks (optional)

DIRECTIONS

• Make the ground peanut powder: Remove shells and skins from roasted peanuts, if necessary. Grind the peanuts into a fine powder (briefly pound them in a mortar and pestle; crush them with a rolling pin; or use a food processor). Be careful not to grind them into a paste.
• If the peanut powder is oily, wrap it in an absorbent paper (paper towel) and squeeze for a minute or two.
• Stir the spices into the powder, mixing well. For really spicy hot suya, use more cayenne pepper — for a milder dish, substitute paprika for some (all) of the cayenne pepper. Divide the peanut-spice mix into two parts, putting half in one bowl and half in another. Set one bowl aside.
• Dip and roll the meat in the other bowl of the peanut-spice mix, making sure the meat is completely coated. Allow meat to marinate for thirty minutes or more. (Get the outdoor grill going or pre-heat the oven while you are waiting).
• Place the meat on skewers (alternating with the onion, tomato, and sweet pepper, if desired).
• Broil in a hot oven, or grill over hot coals, until meat is done. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Serve immediately with the reserved peanut-spice mix, for sprinkling or dipping as desired. (Do not use the mix that came into contact with the raw meat).