Suya refer to West African
shish kebabs, roasted skewered
meat or meat on sticks, but with a particularly African twist - the use of a peanut-spice rub. It is believed that Suya originated with the Hausa people and nowadays, they are popular all over Nigeria. In big cities and small towns, the Suya vendors at their pits or
grills are at the center of the action, and they are busy from mid-morning until late at night cooking or
grilling Suya.
Suya are usually made with beef, sometimes
chicken or veal or
liver and
beef on sticks. They can be made with just meat, ground peanuts, and cayenne
pepper, but more elaborate spice mixtures are also used. Any other spices or
spice mixtures can also be added if desired.
Suya is pronounced as "sooya"