Miyan Ridi (Nigerian Sesame Soup)
Miya Ridi is a traditional toasted sesame seed soup popular among the Hausa people of Northern Nigeria. Rich in flavor and often served with tuwo or other local swallows, it is a nutritious dish commonly prepared during special occasions or family meals.
- Servings
- 2-3
Ingredients
- Beef (any type), cut in pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Seasoning cube
- Tatashe (red bell pepper), blended
- 2 cups toasted sesame seeds (ridi)
- 3 cooking spoons palm oil
- Onion, sliced
- 2 medium-sized dried smoked fish
- Alayyahu (spinach)
Method
- In a pot, boil the beef with the chopped onion, seasoning cubes, and a little water until the meat is tender.
- Blend the toasted sesame seeds into a smooth paste using a blender or grinding stone.
- In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and blended red bell pepper, then fry for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked beef and some of the beef stock. Stir in the smoked fish and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground sesame seed paste. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, and cook for about 10 minutes. Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Add the chopped spinach, stir, and turn off the heat after 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot with tuwo shinkafa, pounded yam, wheat, or other swallow of choice.
Notes
- Groundnut (peanut) paste can be added along with sesame paste for a richer flavor.
- You can substitute spinach with ugu or kale depending on availability.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and fish, and add mushrooms or tofu.