The Perfect Guide to Making Yaji/Suya Pepper

Suya pepper
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A Guide to making the perfect Homemade Yaji ( Suya Pepper)

One of my favourite things to get when buying street khebab also known as "chinchinga" is the suya pepper spice that comes with it. I always ask for extra with lots of onions. I didn't quite know what was used in making it until a friend from the north showed me the exact formula I will show you in this recipe. It came out perfectly; I was pleasantly surprised.
"Yaji" also known as suya pepper or khebab pepper is a pepper-like spice used in the grilling beef and other proteins. But it is more common in the making of street khebab which is predominant in many Ghanaian streets, especially at night.
The men who operate the street kiosks are commonly referred to as "Abokyi" and are typically from northern Ghana. The khebab is typically barbecued in front of customers over an open fire with metal countertops. The air is filled with a combination of smoke, pepper, and the pleasant scent of the meat and pepper. My friend told me how easy it was to make Yaji, so I decided to try making it at home. You need only a few key ingredients for this recipe
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Cuisine Ghanaian

Equipment

  • Oven / Charcoal grill or Coal Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Kulikuli
  • 1/3 cup Shrimp powder
  • 1/4 cup Dried herrings
  • 1/2 cup Powdered pepper
  • 1 Seasoning cube
  • 1 tsp Mixed spices
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions
 

  • Assemble all ingredients; kulikuli, shrimps, pepper, herrings, seasoning, mixed spices, salt
  • There are two ways to grind into a powder, use a dry blender or food processor or using a local mortar and pestle
  • If using the latter, start by crushing the kulikuli into bits before adding the other ingredients.
  • I did not do this and it took me a long time to get everything right so learn from my mistake
  • Once the kulikuli is crushed well, add all other ingredients and pound to grind and mix.
  • Stop intermittently to mix with a spoon and continue grinding till you get the consistency you need
  • When using a food process, transfer everything into the bowl, start by pulsing to break up the kulikuli and then grind till smooth.
  • Transfer into a jar

Notes

This came out so well, that I will henceforth be making my own yaji and you should too.
What can you use it for?
This mix can be used to marinate chicken, beef, fish, and pork or any protein at all. It can also be sprinkled on fried yam or potatoes, meat, chicken, or beef and as a condiment. 
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also enjoy our step-by-step guide to making delicious Hausa Koko.
Did you find this recipe helpful? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Keyword Khebab, Khebab pepper, Suya pepper, Yaji
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  • Kumasi, Ashanti Region - Ghana

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