A fragrant combination of dried spices and aromatics, yaji, also known as suya spice, is as ubiquitous as salt and pepper in homes across Northern Nigeria and West Africa more broadly. Often used to cure meats and finish other dishes, the spice blend is made depending on taste and […]
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A fragrant combination of dried spices and aromatics, yaji, also known as suya spice, is as ubiquitous as salt and pepper in homes across Northern Nigeria and West Africa more broadly. Often used to cure meats and finish other dishes, the spice blend is made depending on taste and access to ingredients, so the recipe can range from home to home and vendor to vendor. Common among blends is the addition of a warming chile powder, ground ginger (although fresh is used in some cases) and pulverized peanuts. Here, a basic yaji spice blend is incorporated into a fresh, piquant relish of scallions, lemon zest and juice as a finish to liven up roast vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds carrots, scrubbed, cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces, halved lengthwise if thick
- ¼ cup neutral oil, such as grapeseed or vegetable oil
- 1 (1½-inch) piece fresh ginger, scrubbed
- 1 cup thinly sliced scallions (from about 5 scallions)
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanut oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon yaji spice (see Tip)
- ¼ cup toasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
Preparation
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons oil, and season lightly with salt. Spread in an even layer on 2 baking sheets and roast until vegetables are tender and caramelized in spots, about 40 minutes, rotating sheet pans once halfway through the cooking process.
- As the carrots roast, make the relish: Grate the ginger into a large bowl and add the sliced scallions. Zest 1 lemon over the bowl, and squeeze in the juice from 1½ lemons. (Reserve the other half for serving.) Stir to combine. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in the roasted peanut oil (if using), the yaji spice, paprika and parsley. Stir to combine,then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- While the vegetables are still warm, gently toss in the large bowl to coat with the relish. Transfer to a platter, and scatter the toasted peanuts over the top. Serve with reserved lemon half, if you like.
- To make about ¼ cup yaji spice blend, combine 1/4 cup toasted peanuts, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Pulse in a spice grinder, or use a mortar and pestle to make a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
