Yaji (West African Suya Spice Rub)

Yaji — the West African suya & chinchinga rub. The traditional recipe is an ingredient list, not fixed ratios, so start small with the potent spices and adjust to your own heat.

• 4 tbsp crushed kuli-kuli (peanut puffs) — the base that carries everything
• 1 tsp ground grains of selim — musky backbone, potent, start low
• 1–2 tsp ground dried chillies, to taste
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 crumbled stock cube
• ½ tsp salt, added after tasting
• ½ tsp black pepper

Mix everything dry. Adjust heat first, then the grains of selim (how musky you want it), then salt last.