Cookbook:Miyan Ridi (Nigerian Sesame Soup)

Miyan Ridi (Nigerian Sesame Soup)
Category	Nigerian recipes
Servings	2-3
Difficulty

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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.

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)

Ingredients

• 500 g beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 seasoning cubes (e.g., Maggi)
• 2 large tatashe (red bell pepper), blended
• 2 cups toasted sesame seeds (ridi), blended into a paste
• 3 tablespoons palm oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 medium-sized dried smoked fish, cleaned and deboned
• 1 chopped alayyahu (spinach)
• Water, as needed

Procedure

1. In a pot, boil the beef with the chopped onion, seasoning cubes, and a little water until the meat is tender.
2. Blend the toasted sesame seeds into a smooth paste using a blender or grinding stone.
3. 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.
4. Add the cooked beef and some of the beef stock. Stir in the smoked fish and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 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.
6. Add the chopped spinach, stir, and turn off the heat after 1–2 minutes.
7. Serve hot with tuwo shinkafa, pounded yam, wheat, or other swallow of choice.

Notes, tips, and variations

• 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.