Now that the plant-based meat market is getting bigger, there are more and more opportunities for us plant based eaters to create recipes that can emulate some flavours we might miss eating plant-based. But there are also opportunities for us to explore new combinations. For me, that new combination was Suya Meatballs
I had been experimenting with a homemade suya spice. For those who do not know, suya spice is a peanut based spice used to flavour grilled meat in West Africa. In Nigeria, it is called suya spice but as you move west, you will also hear chinchinga spice, which is what it is referred to in Ghana. Suya spice has been credited to Hausa people who grill their meats with this spicy peanut based rub. The spice rub is traditionally made with local spices, more pepper and a peanut based snack called kulikuli.
With so much leftover suya spice, I thought why not combine it with something else. I was originally hoping to make burgers but these meatballs are far more versatile. I have been loving them as a snack and pairing it with some of my rice and fonio dishes
Ingredients
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper minced
- 1 tbsp of ginger minced
- 2 tbsp of suya spice**
- 1/2 tsp each curry powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 340 g beefless ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- In a bowl, break up the beefless ground
- Add in the onions, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet pepper and suya spice till well combined
- After add the rest of the spices
- Roll the mixture into 14 balls and place on a baking try lined with a silicon mat or parchment paper. If you use tin foil, they might stick to the foil
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes
- After the 15 minutes have passed, flip the meatballs and then broil at 500F for 5 minutes to crisp up
- Take it out of the oven, sprinkle more suya spice on top.
- Enjoy alone or as a side for a main dish
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6 Responses
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I loved making this recipe! It was delicious I really enjoyed learning about Suya spice and how to use it. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and I will definitely be making again
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[…] Spicy Suya Beefless Balls […]
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This recipe was amazing! A hit with friends and family, and a new addition to our dinner lineup. I liked adding them to pasta dishes and wraps along with eating alone. Can’t wait to learn more about the authentic version!
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[…] Suya “Meat” balls […]
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[…] Suya Meatballs: Suya is roadside barbecue meat sold across West Africa, using a spicy peanut-based dry rub. […]
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Sooooo good, I made these for meal prep and will make these again for sure. 5 stars. I was wondering if you eat them with any sauce? I made them with your jollof rice and it’s a delicious meal but feels a little dry without something saucy on the plate – or maybe coleslaw?
6 Responses
I loved making this recipe! It was delicious I really enjoyed learning about Suya spice and how to use it. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe and I will definitely be making again
[…] Spicy Suya Beefless Balls […]
This recipe was amazing! A hit with friends and family, and a new addition to our dinner lineup. I liked adding them to pasta dishes and wraps along with eating alone. Can’t wait to learn more about the authentic version!
[…] Suya “Meat” balls […]
[…] Suya Meatballs: Suya is roadside barbecue meat sold across West Africa, using a spicy peanut-based dry rub. […]
Sooooo good, I made these for meal prep and will make these again for sure. 5 stars. I was wondering if you eat them with any sauce? I made them with your jollof rice and it’s a delicious meal but feels a little dry without something saucy on the plate – or maybe coleslaw?