Welcome to the vibrant world of West African cuisine, where flavors dance on your palate and each bite tells a story of tradition and culture. Among the myriad of delightful dishes, Cameroon Suya stands out as a beloved street food delicacy, renowned for its bold flavors and tender, grilled meats.

Originating from the Hausa people of northern Cameroon, Suya has evolved into a cherished culinary gem enjoyed across the country and beyond. This dish embodies the essence of communal dining, bringing together friends and family to savor its irresistible taste.

In this recipe, we'll embark on a culinary adventure to recreate the authentic Cameroon Suya experience right in your own kitchen. Get ready to indulge in tender, marinated meats infused with aromatic spices, grilled to perfection, and served with a zesty peanut sauce that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets behind this delectable West African delight.

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of beef, chicken, or lamb, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup peanut powder (groundnut powder)
• 2 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the peanut sauce:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, combine the peanut powder, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, vegetable oil, and salt to create the marinade.

2- Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

3- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed.

4- Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

5- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.

6- While the skewers are grilling, prepare the peanut sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey or sugar, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

7- Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and serve hot with the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

8- Enjoy your authentic Cameroon Suya with friends and family, savoring the delicious blend of flavors and spices that make this dish truly unforgettable.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

1 kg (2.2 lbs) of beef, chicken, or lamb, thinly sliced:

• Calories: Approximately 1800-2200 kcal (varies based on meat choice)
• Protein: Approximately 200-250 grams
• Fat: Approximately 100-150 grams
• Carbohydrates: Negligible

benefits: These meats are excellent sources of high-quality protein, essential vitamins such as B vitamins and iron, and minerals like zinc and selenium, which are important for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

1/2 cup peanut powder (groundnut powder):

• Calories: Approximately 340 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 15 grams
• Fat: Approximately 28 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 5 grams

benefits: Peanut powder provides a good dose of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It also contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium, which support heart health, muscle function, and digestion.

2 tablespoons ground ginger:

• Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help alleviate nausea, improve digestion, and may even reduce muscle soreness and lower blood sugar levels.

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper:

• Calories: Approximately 17 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that has been linked to numerous health benefits, including increased metabolism, improved circulation, pain relief, and reduced appetite.

2 cloves of garlic, minced:

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

benefits: Garlic is packed with sulfur compounds that have potent medicinal properties. It can boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and may even have anti-cancer effects.

1 teaspoon paprika:

• Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Paprika is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids, which can help fight inflammation, improve eye health, and support the immune system.

1 teaspoon onion powder:

• Calories: Approximately 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

benefits: Onion powder contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It may help boost immunity, improve heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

• Calories: Approximately 240 kcal
• Fat: Approximately 28 grams

benefits: Vegetable oil provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

1 cup peanut butter:

• Calories: Approximately 1500 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 65 grams
• Fat: Approximately 120 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 60 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 15 grams

benefits: Peanut butter is a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. It can help support muscle growth, promote satiety, and reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

1/4 cup water:

• Negligible calories

1 tablespoon soy sauce:

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Soy sauce adds flavor to dishes and provides a salty taste. While it is high in sodium, it also contains some protein and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

1 tablespoon lemon juice:

• Calories: Approximately 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and wound healing. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

1 tablespoon honey or sugar:

• Calories: Approximately 60-64 kcal (varies based on choice)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 16-17 grams

benefits:Honey and sugar provide sweetness to dishes. While they are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation, honey also contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.

Cayenne pepper to taste:

• Negligible calories

Salt to taste:

• Negligible calories

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.