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Trenches Inspired Suya Recipes You Should Try

They might carry fancy names like suya melt, designer noodles and agege burger these days, but these suya recipes are rooted in the trenches.

Designer noodles

Source: Dobby’s Signature

As an undergrad student, noodles and eggs didn’t quite hit the spot for me, and I couldn’t afford to go all out and buy turkey or chicken as my protein option, but with as little as ₦200 suya, my noodle game took a straight zero to 100 spin. Find a full recipe here.

Agege bread suya

Source: Myactivekitchen

I remember visiting a friend once, and he went on and on about giving me a burger treat. Tell me why this brother showed up with agege bread? Anyway, he told me not to judge but to take a bite first. I did, and it was the best thing that entered my mouth that month. He’d sandwiched the bread with a rich serving of beef suya, yaji and mayo. Find a recipe here.

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Suya rice

Source: AnitaOkereke

I remember an older cousin making this when I was younger on days when we were home alone and couldn’t pull enough money for Mr Biggs. It was an elevated version of concoction rice, only with a generous serving of suya. These days, you’ll find bougie Lagos restaurants calling it “Designer Jollof” and charging through the roof. Find a full recipe here.

Suya Shawarma

Source: Sisi Jemimah

Suya is a cheaper filling compared to chicken franks or chicken breast. But the yaji spice has a way of elevating the taste of shawarma. Find a full recipe here.

Suya sauce

Source: Cookpad

Another trenches-inspired recipe, this sauce bangs when you don’t have enough money to cook a proper pot of stew with chunks of beef, chicken or turkey. A quick linkup with the maisuya on your street, and with ₦500 suya, pepper mix and seasoning, you’ll have yourself a tasty sauce for white rice or pasta. Find a full recipe here.

Garri and suya

Source: Scrollforth

The good ol’ unceremonious way of enjoying suya. You don’t need a recipe for this, just make sure you use mortuary-standard water for the garri. I may have added yaji spice to my garri for extra tinge, but that’s just the Yoruba in me.

Suya fried rice

Source: AromaArena

The trenches version of fried rice complements the absence of liver and shrimps with soulfully spiced chicken or beef suya. I fell in love with this recipe after ordering from a popular IG vendor, and I’ve never gone back. Find a full recipe here.

You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

October 10, 2023

Chopist

Nigeria, Nigerian Food, Nigerians, suya
The Best Meat for Nigerian Swallow, According to Chat GPT

My friends never agree with me when I argue with my full chest that there’s no beating turkey’s supremacy. It’s that meat that gives, whether you’re having it with swallow, rice or as a standalone grilled or peppered treat.

Since Artificial Intelligence (AI) claims to know all, I decided to put it to the test. I went to the almighty Chat GPT to help us rank the best meat for swallow in particular. While I can’t say I completely agree with this list, AI told no lies.

6. Goat meat

Source: Dooneyskitchen

If you can ignore the strong stench, Chat GPT might have a point here. Goat meat is bae, especially when you have it with white or black amala. But why does it have to be so expensive? A portion sells for as high as ₦500 – 1000 at local bukkas. Not a good spend when you consider the ponmo you’ll get at the same price.

My ranking: 3

5. Chicken

Source: Sisijemimah

How can? I completely disagree with this ranking. The only time chicken should show face on your plate is when it’s with rice, spaghetti or chips. If for any reason you choose to serve chicken with any Nigerian swallow, it should be deep-fried to a crunch and soaked in the pot of soup for three working days.

My ranking: 4

4. Beef Suya

Source: SisiJemimah

Sound ridiculous, but AI might be on to something here. Have you ever tried a generous serving of spicy suya with vegetable soup? It is a serve. However, by all means, avoid kilichi with any type of Nigerian swallow.

My ranking: 5

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3. Catfish or tilapia

Source: Dobby’s Signature

The focus is meat, but if AI insists we should include any type of fish in this list, then I’ll have to partially agree. I think the only acceptable way to eat catfish is to have it smoked to perfection or in a spicy pepper soup broth. Tilapia, on the other hand, is a serve with any Nigerian swallow.

My ranking: 6

2. Turkey

Source: Queenvarieties

This is your second reminder that this user is a shameless turkey stan who believes in the ultimate supremacy of turkey. Grilled, peppered, fried, boiled, it’s the one meat that goes with all swallow and all its varying servings.

My ranking: 1

1. Offal (Tripe, liver, kidney)

Also known as “inu eran”, there’s no 100% amala satisfaction without a generous serving of stewed offal. It’s the only way to enjoy the true amala experience, although I cannot say the same for other swallow offerings.

My ranking: 2

You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival in November. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

Adeyinka Odutuyo

October 4, 2023

Chopist

Foodie, meat festival, Nigerian Food, Nigerians
Every Food Tourist Should Experience These Festivals at Least Once

Can any self-respecting food lover really give themselves the “foodie” title if they haven’t done some form of culinary excursion? I mean, it’s not only about being able to differentiate between pounded and poundo yam.

That’s where we come in. By the time you experience these food festivals, you’ll be more than deserving of your “food lover” ID card.

Bole Festival

Whether you spell it as “bole” or “boli”, this should be the first stop on your food tour. You’d be surprised by the different bole recipes available. Warning: You may never eat it with groundnuts again.

Image: Bole Festival on X

Burning Ram

If you think about it, meat may be every food lover’s origin story. Almost all of us passed through a stealing-meat-from-the-pot phase — don’t even deny it. Burning Ram celebrates the Nigerian culture of meat and grill, and the best part? As of the date of publishing, you can still be a part of the 2023 edition.

New Yam Festival

Yam is the Nigerian staple, not jollof rice. How else do you explain how almost every state and tribe in the country has their own version of a New Yam Festival? For the Igbos, it’s typically celebrated after the rainy season in August, and referred to as “Iwa ji” or “Iri ji”. For the Yorubas, especially in Ekiti, it is termed “Odun Ijesu”. Irrespective of what tribe you celebrate with, you’re sure to find yam delicacies of all types, music, dance and masquerade displays at a New Yam Festival.

Image: The Guardian Nigeria

West Africa Food Festival

This festival is proof you don’t have to japa to expand your tastebuds. As the name implies, this festival involves celebrating the dishes and culinary culture of West African countries. The annual festival is typically held in the countries along West Africa, and 2022’s edition was in Lagos. It features food, competitions and wine tastings.

Image: Flickr

Lagos Seafood Festival

You might think you like seafood, but have you really had everything the sea has to offer if you haven’t eaten stuff like octopus or human-sized fish? The annual festival was rebranded to “Lagos Food Festival” in 2022, but you’re still sure to find interesting sea creatures when you attend.

Argungu Festival

The cultural festival has increasingly become associated with food, as it involves a fishing competition to catch the biggest fish. It happens in Kebbi over a four-day period every year and features agricultural showcases, musical performances as well as wrestling and swimming competitions.

The winner of the 2020 fishing competition was awarded ₦10m, two cars and two seats to Hajj. Excuse me while I go learn how to fish.

Image: The Nation

Calabar Carnival

Termed “Africa’s biggest street party”, the carnival celebrates the Cross River culture, but the cuisine is a huge part of it. It’s an annual four-day event that features a food festival of its own, with rich Efik cuisine, grills and drinks.

Image: The Whistler

Jos Food Festival

If you’ve ever entertained curiosity about what food on the Plateau tastes like, you might want to add the Jos Food Festival to your itinerary. It features indigenous food displays and local musical performances.

Image: Sunday Alamba

PS: You can’t have read up to this point without signing up for Burning Ram. Do it now.

NEXT READ: Like Boli, These Nigerian Meals Deserve Their Own Festivals

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Tife Oni

September 27, 2023

Chopist

Burning Ram, eat, Food, Food festivals in Nigeria, Inside life
All the Types of Meat You’ll Find at Nightlife Spots in Lagos

Two Christmas celebrations ago, my IJGB friend (Dozie*) breezed into Lagos to spend one of his nights with me. Before then, he’d usually get excited whenever I shared pictures of suya or grilled turkey on my WhatsApp status, and every single time, our exchange would end with, “You must show me this life if I come Lagos o”.

Fast forward to the day we agreed to hang out, he got to the spot a few minutes earlier than I did (Lagos traffic na wa) and I told him to order before I got there. Tell me why I arrived to my IJGB friend battling creamy pasta and smoothie? *Criminally offensive bombastic side eye* If like Dozie you don’t know how to treat yourself at a Lagos nightlife spot, you should hold this list to your chest.

Goat meat pepper soup

Source: Sisi Jemimah

It’s unofficially the official Lagos nightlife meal, and honestly, I get it. Nothing beats the satisfaction of scooping broth with juicy meat pieces into your mouth and washing it with a long gulp of mortuary-cold beer.

Asun

Goat meat pepper soup is great but only when you don’t plan to down many bottles. That’s double work for your bladder and double trips to the restroom. But asun? The roasted goat meat sautéed in spicy habanero and red bell peppers comes in bite sizes that don’t fill you up too quickly. Be warned. You might find yourself ordering a dozen plates and spending more than you planned.

Pepper snails

Source: Low carbs Africa

This is probably the best way to enjoy snails. I don’t know what the secret recipe is at these night spots, but boy, do they get it right? The snails are big, juicy, spicy and soulfully flavoured. This might set you back several thousands sha.

Grilled turkey

Consider grilled turkey when you visit a nightlife spot with the potential LOYL or the IJGB friends you want to impress. They’re nice but expensive, with a piece selling for as high as ₦2500 – 3500.

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Suya

Suya’s versatility makes it my favourite on this list. Whether you’re looking to spend ₦500 or need a money-smart way to cater to a large gathering, it always delivers. And that’s not even the best part. With suya, you don’t have to go to a restaurant or bar. Just strike a badass deal with a random mai-suya on the streets.

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Roasted bushmeat

Source: The Green Palace

Also known as eran igbe, you won’t find it at your regular nightlife spots, but best believe when you do, you’ll pay through your nose and it’ll be totally worth it. Eran igbe is premium meat known for its distinct taste, aroma and nutritional value. It’s mostly available in villages, and that’s why the best pairing for it is palm wine.

Roasted Grasscutter

This is another premium meat that’s hard or expensive to come by in the big cities. While you can also enjoy this with any drink of your choice, palm wine is where the true magic is.

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Adeyinka Odutuyo

September 1, 2023

Chopist

Food in Nigeria, meat festival, Nigerians
A Meaty Adventure Through the Streets of Lagos

I recently struck a bet with my friend, Ori Ejo, who was visiting Lagos for a couple of days from Osogbo. He went on and on about how we’re suffering in Lagos, paying the most for the most basic things. I couldn’t let that slander go.

Yes, I know Laygurss is expensive, but it’s not so bad that you can’t ball on a ₦5k budget.

So I told Ori Ejo I’d go on a ₦5k meat tour, and it’d be far better than what ₦5k will get him in Osogbo.

A little back story about Ori Ejo. He’s the friend in this article who crushed seasoning cubes on chunks of snake meat. Ori Ejo, which means “snake head” in Yoruba, became my nickname for him after I discovered his love for snake meat.

Now, what do you get for ₦5k on the streets of Lagos? First off, erase any idea of private cabs for this mini adventure. But it’s not like okadas and keke maruwas are cheap these days, no thanks to the fuel subsidy removal.

My take-off point was the popular Olosha market in Mushin because there was no way I’d miss out on linking up with my meat plug. He has the best ponmo deals that fit right into my ₦5k budget. I got a decent cut for ₦800 and was left with a balance of ₦4000 — after paying ₦200 for t-fare.

Next was this barbecue spot around Shitta Underbridge in Surulere. I used to eye this spot a lot because there was always a long queue of people trying to buy from them, and that meant they had to be doing something right. Tell me why I got there and these guys wanted to charge ₦3000 for barbecued chicken and chips. I mean, it’s a fair price, but I expected a cheaper deal for a street spot. ₦3k would’ve done serious damage to my budget, so it was a no-no.

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But you see, the beauty of Layguyrss is you’ll always find something. What did I find in this instance? Grilled chicken franks. I didn’t even know this was a thing, but it looked so good, I had to try it. It was just ₦300 for a stick. I bought two.

I knew this my waka wouldn’t be complete without suya and turkey, but I also knew it’d be hard to get both on a ₦3k budget. This is where connection comes in. Sorry to break it to you, but you cannot go far in Lagos without connections. It doesn’t even have to be people in government. You also need to know people in the streets to amp up your street cred.

To cut the long story short, I hopped on a bus to Aguda, where my brother had a turkey grill spot. I mean, I wasn’t even supposed to pay but I had an agenda that needed to agend. I sweet-talked my brother into selling a piece of turkey wing for ₦1500. The going rate would have been ₦2k.

I was running out of cash and knew it was time to head back home. But not without suya. I had a plug, Bello, just outside the LUTH gate in Idi-Araba, and he was the perfect person to wrap up this waka. My ₦1500 got me a stick of chicken suya at ₦500, beef suya at ₦400 and ₦200 masa.

I gagged Ori Ejo when I returned home, but it wasn’t because his point about Lagos being expensive was wrong. I was just street-smart.

Now, who wants to give me ₦100k to properly eat all the meat I want at the Burning Ram meat festival in Laygurrrsss?

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Adeyinka Odutuyo

August 31, 2023

Chopist

Food in Nigeria, meat festival, Nigerian Food, Nigerians
These Are the Best Suya Spots in Lagos

Finding the best suya spots in Lagos can be a real hassle because so many sellers set up shop without even the basic understanding of the traditional recipe.

But if you want to feast right and give your mouth a treat, these spots should be on your radar; they steadily deliver. You might have to spend extra coins, but at least, you’ll get your money’s worth.

University of Suya

Are you even a true Lagosian if you don’t know the University of Suya (Faculty of Meatology)? This spot is popular for being one of the first to make suya selling a full-time business. Forget what they say about the best suya being sold at night. These guys will satisfy your craving even in broad daylight, and it’ll probably be the best you’ve ever had.

Address: NO 113, ALLEN AVENUE, IKEJA

Arisco Suya

My mum was once on admission at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) when I discovered this spot while looking for food. I saw a long queue and curiously approached to see what was going on. Turns out everyone wanted to buy suya, and I just knew that if people were willing to brace the scorching sun, it couldn’t be for anything regular. I was right! I don’t know how they do it, but the suya melts right into your mouth and doesn’t leave you chewing for so long. They specialise in beef and chicken suya.

Address: Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ishaga Rd, Idi-Araba

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Glover Court Suya

While the mainland has University of Suya, Glover Court does the Lord’s work for suya lovers who reside on the island. Nestled in the highbrow area of Ikoyi, this is one suya spot in Lagos that’ll have you paying above the average price, but it’ll be worth it. They serve a variety of suya delicacies including beef, kidney, tozo, liver, shaki, chicken and gizzard suya.

Address: 37 Glover Rd, Ikoyi

Sooyah Bistro

The Banky W-owned Sooyah Bistro is the plug for suya lovers who enjoy a little razzmatazz and drama with their suya. They serve a variety of traditional beef and chicken suya, but also have options like suya burger, suya crepe, suya spaghetti and rice, suya toast and suya shawarma. Sooyah Bistro also has branches across the mainland and island.

Check out Sooyah Bistro locations here.

Bukka Hut Suya

Bukka Hut is a restaurant known for serving local cuisine, but it has a wing that caters to suya lovers. Apart from their bestselling chicken and beef suya, they have asun, grilled fish, boli and shawarma. They offer delivery and have branches on the mainland and island.

Check out Bukka Hut locations here.

Lomo Suya

Lomo is one of the best suya spots in Lagos Mainland where you can find the real deal. You’ll always find people lined up waiting to buy suya, whether it’s in the day or night. Apart from their chicken and beef suya offerings, they sell roasted guinea fowl, masa and pre-package yaji spice.

Address: Opposite MKO Abiola Garden, Alausa.

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Adeyinka Odutuyo

August 23, 2023

Chopist

Nigeria, Nigerians, suya
5 Things Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Goes Perfectly With
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is great on its own, but variety is the spice of life. Sometimes, it’s good to do a little mix and match with your liquor. We’ve taken a look at the ingredients in our fridge, and put together a list of things you can pair with your favourite whiskey to get the best cocktails.

Sweet chili peppers and lemonade

Yes, Nigeria might be showing you pepper and leaving a sour taste in your mouth, but we promise this drink won’t. Mix the sweet chili peppers and lemons for a spicy, sharp base, and pour in your lemonade and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey.

Recipe:
- Rim your glass: Take a slice of lemon and rub it around the edge of a highball glass and then dip into Tajin to coat the top of glass.
- Next, add three-five slices of sweet chilli pepper into the glass. Now, muddle the pepper to squeeze out some of its juices.
- Put a few slices of lemon into the glass and fill with ice.
- Then, add two ounces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, and fill glass with lemonade.
Lemon juice and mint leaves

Elevate your cocktails by adding lemon juice and mint leaves to your Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. All you have to do is add everything into a shaker with some ice and watch your little effort yield the best results.

Recipe:
- Fill half of a cocktail shaker with ice, then add six-eight mint leaves, half an ounce of lemon juice, half an ounce of a simple syrup, and two ounces of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, then strain liquid into a glass with crushed ice.
Ginger

If you like spice but just can’t see yourself adding sweet chilli peppers to your liquor, then this is for you. Don’t worry, you won’t have to put actual ginger into your glass of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey. All you need are ginger mixers – any ginger drink you can lay your hands on or the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey ginger perfect serve value pack, and you can give your drink that spicy kick.

Recipe:
- Fill 3/4 a glass with cubed ice.
- Pour Jack Honey over ice then top with Schweppes ginger.
- Stir gently for 10 seconds and add lime wedge to garnish.
Apple juice

If you have a sweet tooth, then this is for you. Apple juice pairs well with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey for a sweeter taste with a fruity undertone.

Recipe:
- Pour the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey into a glass filled with ice, then add apple juice and stir.
- Fill to the top with more ice and garnish with an apple wedge.
Sprite

If you’re a big fan of Jack and Coke, but you want your drink sweeter and lighter, then this is for you. Add a lemon wedge to this, and enjoy your drink.

Recipe:
- Pour Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in an ice-filled glass.
- Add Sprite to taste then garnish with a lemon slice.
Chioma Munachi

August 23, 2023

Chopist, Drink

cocktails, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Whisey
Bread Goes With EVERYTHING and We Have Proof

For a meal that’s a simple mixture of butter, flour, yeast and sugar, bread is the GOATed delicacy — yes, delicacy — man has ever made.

Nothing comes close to bread. You can make it on a stove or in an oven, it comes in different shapes and sizes, and you can pair it with literally anything and it’ll slap harder than a giveaway in this agbado era.

Egusi

Image sourced from foodrythms

People might look at you sideways as you carefully spread your egusi on a thick slice of bread, but that shouldn’t concern you. They’ll never understand the greatness of such a pairing.

Beans of any kind

Image sourced from guardian.ng

Do you know how bad you have to be to go into a family and marry all the members? The only person that comes close was Esau’s brother, Jacob, and we all know how much God loved him. Give it akara, ewa aganyin, palm oil beans, vegetable oil beans, and if you’re a real risk taker, gbegiri.

Stew

Image sourced from mydiasporakitchen

If you can eat swallow and soup, then you can eat bread and stew. Make sure there’s an excess amount of protein in your stew, fold that bread, and eat to your heart’s content.

Banana

Image sourced from medicalnewstoday

If you can eat banana bread, then you can slice a banana, place it between two slices of bread, and eat.

Pepsi

Image sourced from nextcashandcarry

Notice how we singled Pepsi out from its counterparts? Bread and all the other sodas are great, but bread and Pepsi? Your inner bricklayer will awaken, and you’ll feel like you can move mountains.

Avocado

Image sourced from jessicagavin

Even though avocados look the way they do, we believe in the power of bread to make anything taste better than rice on a Sunday.

Amala

Image sourced from africanfoodnetwork

We need you to have an open mind. People have attested to the greatness of this pairing. Plus, amala looks like chocolate.

I mean, I have spread amala on bread and toasted it before, so really, impossible is nothing. https://t.co/4vw1W31IYp
— Oriaku (@galscoutzkukiz) August 18, 2023

Indomie

Image sourced from breakthespice

If you plan on pairing cooked Indomie with bread then you have stand in front of the stove, take the indomie straight from the pot to the bread and into your mouth. It’ll slap so hard you’ll give testimonies for weeks to come.

Ice cream

Image sourced from swasthi’srecipes

Think of it like bread and tea. Tear large chunks of bread into your bowl of ice cream, wait for it to steep, and then, scoop into your mouth.

Egg

Image sourced from bakerpedia

One thing about bread, it’ll find other versatile foods and pair up with them. Bread and egg bangs, especially on a Saturday morning with a hot cup of tea to wash it down. And guess what. It can sleep with the mother too *wink.

~~Anointing~~ Olive oil

We told you bread was for everyone — even the godly among us. Drizzle a light amount on your bread, let it soak in for a bit and eat. It’ll taste like a symphony in your mouth.

Chioma Munachi

August 22, 2023

Chopist, Eat

bread, Food, food combinations
7 Lesser-Known Meat Delicacies You Should Totally Try

While suya, beef kebab and catfish pepper soup are doing the Lord’s work, there are other lesser-known meat delicacies that should be on your radar.

If you haven’t tried any of these meat recipes, you’re depriving your tastebuds of the sweet things of life, and honestly, why that?

Dambu nama

The first time I had dambu nama was at a friend’s family home in Osogbo. His dad came home from Kaduna that weekend with it, and it was served as a side with rice. I wasn’t sure what it was, but it tasted good and chewy just like meat. My suspicions were right when I asked my friend.

Dambu nama is a popular delicacy in northern Nigeria, and it’s essentially spicy shredded meat. However, unlike the common shredded meat for stir fry recipes, the dambu nama meat is shredded so thin it feels like cotton candy floss. It can be made with cow, ram or chicken meat. Full recipe here.

Ngwo ngwo

This is a goat offal pepper soup delicacy from the eastern parts of Nigeria. It’s made from a goat’s innards: the liver, kidney, heart, spleen, tripe, and sometimes, bits of flesh. It’s similar to nkwobi (cow feet), but the difference is in the parts used for the delicacy. Find a complete recipe here.

Chicken yassa

As a certified onion hater, I once watched in horror as a chef on Food Network sliced up three large bulbs of onion on chicken cuts. I couldn’t understand why a recipe needed so much onion, but that was the first time I heard about chicken yassa. A year or two later, I watched a Nigerian food blogger recreate the recipe, and it didn’t seem like a bad idea at all. Chicken yassa is a Senegalese dish made with chicken, caramelised onions, lemon and a mix of spices. This is the complete recipe.

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Salted meat (eran oniyo)

Salted meat AKA “eran oniyo” is a Muslim meat recipe that stemmed from preserving ram/cow meat with salt during sallah. All that heavy salt coating gives the meat a different taste than meat preserved in the freezer or by frying. Salted meat is best enjoyed with egusi soup, yam pottage or stews.

Liver sauce

If you can stomach the idea of liver in your sauce, then you’ll have no problem going bigger with a liver sauce recipe. Apart from the fact that it’s a healthy meal packed with iron supplements, you’ll also give your taste buds a treat. Liver sauce can be enjoyed with rice, spaghetti or eaten alone. Find the liver sauce recipe here.

Shoko

Jollof rice isn’t the only meal we Nigerians share with our Ghanaian neighbours — I raise you shoko. Although the name is similar to the popular Yoruba vegetable soup “efo shoko”, this West African beef stew is slightly different. Shoko is prepared with amaranth leaves, tomatoes and a generous amount of beef. The seasoning spices introduce a delicious flavour to the beef. You can enjoy this sauce with rice, plantain or fufu. Find a full recipe here.

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Adeyinka Odutuyo

August 21, 2023

Chopist

Food in Nigeria, nigerian recipes, Nigerians
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Turkey Wings, According to an Owambe Expert

If you’re up-to-date with the Lagos Owambe scene, you’d know that jollof rice, fried rice and abula have lost their collective claim of being the life of the party. Heavy isale-eko sigh.

Source: Instagram/Owambespicey

These days, party guests are after the small chops, colourful cocktails, and most importantly, grilled turkey wings. I caught up with an owambe grill vendor to ask one question: How can I make this turkey in the comfort of my home? He had some answers for me.

Get a “confam” plug for big turkey wings

“You won’t get the satisfaction you want with bite-size turkey wings, so it’s important to go for the big ones. However, traders prefer to sell the small sizes to the JJCs while they reserve the big sizes for their OG customers. If you have a trusted plug, you’ll get a good one. And make sure it’s properly frozen.”

Barkono pepper is bae

“Pepper is expensive, so you can improvise using barkono pepper. It’s available at the local market, but you have to grind it into a powdery form after buying. It gives your turkey wings a reddish/golden brown colour and packs moderate heat.”

Marinating is important

“The longer you marinate it, the tastier your grilled turkey will be. Because I take large orders, I try to keep it to an hour or two, but you can marinate overnight and store it in the fridge if you aren’t in a rush. This is the best way to let all that seasoning sip into your turkey wings. For your marinade, add some seasoning cubes and spices to your dry pepper mix, salt and vegetable oil, and you’re good to go. You can also add BBQ sauce if you want.”

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Toss and turn from time to time

Source: Instagram/Owambespicey

“Burnt turkey has a bitter taste that can ruin the overall experience. So, it’s important to stay with your grill like it’s dodo you’re frying. If you look away for a short while, you might end up with burnt turkey. This is also the best way to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.”

Start with a checklist

“You don’t want to get halfway in before remembering you need a picker, for example; you’ll end up with burnt turkey wings. Before you start, check your charcoal supply, get an apron, wear gloves. Put everything you need together to avoid leaving the grill area.”

Always have a side

“Not saying you can’t have the turkey alone, but with sides, you’ll be on a whole different level of vibes. The owambe way to go is fried yam, plantain or sweet potato with pepper sauce and coleslaw.”

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Adeyinka Odutuyo

August 19, 2023

Chopist

lagos owambe, nigerian recipes, Nigerians, turkey