Taste of Home: Easy African Dishes You Can Make with Ingredients from Riia’s

From street-style Suya chicken to soul-warming beans and plantain, here’s how to bring authentic West African flavors straight to your kitchen.

There’s something magical about the aroma of suya on the grill or a pot of beans simmering in rich palm oil, it’s the taste of home, comfort, and tradition. At Riia’s African Market, we make it easy to recreate your favorite African meals with fresh, authentic ingredients. Whether you’re craving smoky Suya Chicken Skewers or hearty Ewa Agoyin with Fried Plantains, these simple recipes will fill your kitchen with the rich, bold flavors of West Africa.

1. Suya Chicken Skewers
West African Street-Style Grilled Chicken

Ingredients (available at Riia’s):

• Riia’s Suya Spice Mix
• Chicken breast or thigh, cut into cubes
• Groundnut (peanut) oil
• Salt and Maggi seasoning cubes
• Wooden skewers

Instructions:

1. Soak your skewers in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix suya spice, oil, salt, and Maggi cubes to make a thick paste.
3. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade until coated.
4. Thread onto skewers and grill (or bake at 400°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve hot with sliced onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of extra suya spice!

Shop the ingredients: Suya Spice Mix | Maggi Cubes | Groundnut Oil

2. Beans and Fried Plantain (Ewa Agoyin Style)
A comfort meal that hugs your soul.

Ingredients (available at Riia’s):

• Riia’s Honey Beans (Brown Beans)
• Palm oil
• Dried chili pepper blend
• Onion
• Ripe plantains

Instructions:

1. Boil your beans until soft.
2. In a separate pan, heat palm oil until it turns bright orange (not burnt). Add chopped onions and chili blend, fry until dark and rich — that’s your Agoyin sauce!
3. Fry your sliced ripe plantains until golden and sweet.
4. Serve the beans topped with the sauce and plantains on the side.
5. Shop the ingredients: Honey Beans | Palm Oil | Chili Pepper Blend

Customer Spotlight: Meet Chika from Newark!
This week’s shoutout goes to Chika, who shared her beautiful plate of Jollof and grilled chicken made with Riia’s Suya Spice! She wrote:
“I haven’t had jollof this good since my mom made it back home in Enugu. Riia’s suya spice hits different! My kitchen smells like Nigeria .”

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