West Africa · Side
Yaji (Suya Pepper Seasoning and Peanut Spice Blend)
The quintessential Nigerien dry rub blending roasted defatted peanut powder, fiery ground chilies, ginger, and aromatic traditional pods.
The story
Yaji is the undisputed soul of meat grilling across Niger and the Sahel, crafted by specialised itinerant butchers known as the Mai Suya. While found on street carts dusting beef, ram, and chicken skewers across Niamey and Diffa, it also sits as a dry table condiment to season grilled onions, sliced tomatoes, and fried plantains. Technically, authentic yaji cannot be made with ordinary roasted peanuts because their natural oils would turn the mixture into a wet paste; it requires kuli-kuli (press-cake residue) to achieve a dry, shelf-stable, and clingable powder.
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