Suya Spice

Suya is a West African spice blend, known as chichinka in Ghana, built on a foundation of roasted ground peanuts mixed with a selection of warm spices. Traditionally used to coat grilled meats sold by street vendors across Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries, it delivers a nutty, smoky heat that is distinctive and deeply flavourful. To make your own, dry-roast peanuts until golden, then grind them with chilli powder, ginger, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. The crucial lesson from this episode is that when searing spice-crusted meat in a hot pan, the spice crust can fall off. Consider applying a thicker coat or searing briefly before finishing in the oven.