| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 170 | 12g | 2g | 14g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 3g | 6g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Nigerian Mushroom Suya
One dish that encapsulates the brilliant and comforting synergy of my Afro-Southern fusion style is none other than the Mushroom Suya. Now, many may be familiar with traditional Nigerian Suya, a popular street food often made with skewered beef. By replacing the beef with mushrooms, we introduce a wonderful Southern cookout twist, paving the way for a bountifully flavorful dish that is both healthful and heartening.
A Meeting of Flavors
The thrill of this recipe for me lies in how the robust earthiness of the fresh mushrooms melds impeccably with the richness of peanut oil and the piquant medley of spices in the homemade Suya spice mix. It’s a tantalizing play between warm, roasty notes and a bite from a hint of cayenne pepper, all rounded out by the slightly sweet undertone of caramelized onions.
It vaguely mirrors my own experience growing up; finding harmony between the Southern hospitality embedded in Atlanta’s food culture and the bold intensity of Nigeria’s spices – elements I believe defined the dish’s charm.
The Art of Making Mushroom Suya
One of the aspects I absolutely adore about this recipe is its process. Skewering the mushroom introduces a sense of play and authenticity to the cooking: a reflection of the vital street food culture in Nigeria. Inspired by the culinary artistry of chef Florence Beri, who herself showcases Nigerian cuisine’s versatility, this recipe invites you to engage intimately with your food– to love the process as much as the result.
As for the dish’s complementary pairing, the Mushroom Suya shines when served alongside Southern red beans and rice or any robust grain dish like a millet salad or a quinoa pilaf. The umami richness of the mushrooms and the tanginess of the Suya spice can liven up any staple you choose to serve it with.
In summary, what makes the Mushroom Suya loved is not only the taste but also the stories and cultures encoded into its layers. It’s more than a recipe for me; it is an embodiment of the space where my southern roots and Nigerian heritage harmoniously exist.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs fresh mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons Suya spice (this can be purchased or home-made)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your grill or oven to medium heat. Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth. Do not wash as mushrooms absorb water.
Step Two
In a bowl, prepare the Suya marinade by mixing together the peanut oil, Suya spice, salt, cayenne pepper and minced garlic.
Step Three
Thread the cleaned mushrooms onto the presoaked wooden skewers. Make sure the mushrooms are not too tightly packed to ensure even cooking.
Step Four
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat the mushrooms with the Suya marinade, ensuring all sides are well covered.
Step Five
Place the skewered mushrooms on the heated grill or oven and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are evenly cooked and the spices are well ingrained. You can add more marinade while turning them.
Step Six
While the mushrooms are grilling, you can begin preparing the garnishing. In a frying pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they are translucent. This will be used to garnish the mushroom suya.
Step Seven
Once the mushrooms are cooked and nicely browned, remove them from the grill or oven and transfer to a serving plate. Sprinkle the sautéed onions and optional chopped fresh parsley over the mushrooms before serving.
Step Eight
You can serve these delicious mushroom suya on their own as a snack, or alongside other dishes as a main meal. Enjoy!
