A Pizza Nigeria Can Call Its Own

There are pizzas… and then there is Suya Pizza — a bold fusion of Italian comfort food and the fiery, peanut-infused magic of Northern Nigeria’s iconic yaji spice. This recipe captures everything we love about suya: the aroma, the heat, the grilled flavor — but melts it into a creamy, cheesy crust that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Lagos meets Naples or when Rome crosses paths with Kano, this Suya-Flavoured Pizza is your answer.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• Real suya aroma that hits your nose before the first bite

• Creamy mozzarella blended with the spicy kick of yaji

• Tender grilled suya meat layered generously

• Light tomato base enhanced with signature peanut heat

This is fusion cooking that actually works — and works beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Suya Meat

• 300g beef or chicken (thinly sliced)

• 2–3 tbsp suya spice (yaji)

• 1 tbsp ground peanut (optional for richer suya flavour)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• Pinch of salt

For the Pizza

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• 3–4 tbsp pizza sauce (or tomato paste + pinch of yaji)

• 1–2 cups mozzarella cheese

• 1 small red onion (cut into thin rings)

• Fresh tomatoes (sliced)

• Green bell pepper (optional)

• Extra suya spice (for dusting)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Suya Pizza

Prepare the Suya Meat

1. Mix yaji, oil, salt, and ground peanuts (optional).

2. Coat your beef or chicken slices well.

3. Grill using a pan, oven, or charcoal for smoky flavour.

4. Set aside to cool slightly.

Roll Out & Prep the Dough

1. Oil your pan or baking sheet lightly.

2. Roll dough into a round shape.

3. Use a fork to poke tiny holes so it cooks evenly.

Build Your Suya Pizza

1. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce.

2. Add mozzarella cheese.

3. Layer your grilled suya generously.

4. Add onion rings, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

5. Dust lightly with extra suya spice.

Cook Your Pizza — Choose Your Method

Oven Method

Bake at 230°C (450°F) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

No Oven? Use a Pan

1. Heat pan on low heat.

2. Place rolled dough inside and cover.

3. Cook 7–10 minutes.

4. Add toppings, cover, and cook 5 more minutes until cheese melts.

Claypot / Village-Style Cooking

Place pizza on foil inside a hot pot, cover tightly, and cook 12–15 minutes for smoky, firewood-style flavour.

Best Ways to Serve It

Serve hot with:

• Extra suya powder

• Fresh sliced onions

• A drizzle of creamy mayo (surprisingly amazing!)

This combination turns your suya pizza into a full Northern Nigerian street-food feast.