NigerianMedium · Hot
Tender butternut squash cubes threaded onto skewers, kissed with the warm earthiness of suya spice and a delicate cashew crust, grilled until golden and fragrant.
20 min
15 min
35 min
Method
Peel the butternut squash, halve it lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut into 4cm cubes — each piece should nestle comfortably on a skewer.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne, ground ginger, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir together until the colors marry into a warm, russet dust.
Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, pulse the cashew with paprika and salt until you have a coarse, rust-colored powder. Set aside in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, toss squash cubes with sunflower oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a generous pinch of salt. Work with your hands until every cube is lightly coated and fragrant.
Sprinkle the suya spice blend over the oiled squash and toss again — the cubes should blush with deep orange heat. Thread 4-5 pieces onto each skewer, leaving small gaps between them.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -6
Calories
384
per serving
Protein
9g
Carbs
39g
Fat
26g
Sat. fat
11g
Fiber
12g
Sugar
10g
Sodium
463mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.2
per serving
Water
0.6m³
Land
24Pt
Runoff
0.07g P
Butternut Squash drives 60% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Allergen Warning
This recipe contains cashews (tree nuts). Individuals with tree nut allergies should avoid this dish entirely. Ensure all kitchen surfaces, utensils, and equipment that contact cashews are thoroughly cleaned before use with allergen-sensitive individuals.
Cross Contamination
Cross-contact risk exists if cashews are processed in a grinder or mortar previously used for other ingredients. Use dedicated equipment for nut processing or clean thoroughly between uses. Store cashew crust separately from other prepared foods.
Cooking Temperature
Grill temperature of 190-200C (374-392F) at grates. Monitor closely during final 1-2 minutes when nut crust is added to prevent burning. Nuts can transition from golden to charred within 30-60 seconds at high heat.
High Risk Population
Young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems should only consume thoroughly cooked squash that yields easily when pressed. Undercooked squash presents textural choking hazards for vulnerable populations.
Handling
Use long-handled tongs for all grill rotations and crust application. Squash cubes should be threaded firmly on skewers with minimal gaps to prevent pieces falling onto hot coals, which creates flare-up and ash contamination risks.
Storage
Cooked skewers should be consumed within 2 hours of grilling. If storing leftovers, refrigerate within 1 hour at or below 4C. Nut crust-topped skewers have reduced shelf life due to fat content in cashews. Reheat to 75C minimum before serving.
Equipment Safety
If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes minimum before grilling to prevent ignition. Metal skewers conduct heat—use protective gloves when handling during and after grilling as they remain hot longer than expected.
Pro Tips
Technique
Allow the grill grates to heat until they whisper — you should feel that warmth radiating back before laying your skewers down. Rushing the coals is like rushing prayer; the squash needs patient heat to transform from raw to caramelized, and the suya spice needs time to bloom into its full, warm earthiness.
Substitution
If cashews are not within reach, blanched almonds ground to the same coarse texture will carry the paprika and salt just as faithfully. The nut crust is a humble wrapper — it asks only for something that can toast golden and hold the spices.
From the chef
Butternut squash holds suya spice with surprising grace. The cubes are tossed in sunflower oil with fresh garlic and ginger, then coated in a warm blend of paprika, cayenne, cumin, and ground ginger — the same earthiness that belongs over coals. On the grill, the natural sugars in the squash caramelize against the heat and the spice crust deepens in color. The cashew and paprika powder pressed over the hot skewers in the final minutes toasts lightly against the surface. A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts everything. This is the suya tradition finding quiet expression in the vegetable kingdom.
Source: generated · June 12, 2026