When it comes to Shaiyah, there’s nothing quite like it. Shaiyah is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that features pan-fried meat previously marinated in a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and black pepper.
The traditional Shaiyah recipe typically calls for lamb meat, but beef or goat meat work well too. Just be sure to go for the bony and fatty pieces – it takes Shaiyah to the next level, adding an extra layer of flavor and aroma. When combined with the perfect blend of spices, the result is a succulent and juicy meat dish that pairs perfectly with several sides, including bread, rice, or couscous.
And speaking of sides, the Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua is a tomato salad with a twist. Instead of a traditional dressing, this salad features a creamy and nutty peanut butter dressing that is both sweet and savory. Together, Shaiyah and Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua complement each other, creating a rich blend of flavors that will make your taste buds dance for joy and surely leave you craving more!
Shaiyah and Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua are deeply rooted in Sudanese culture and enjoyed by locals and visitors. But since the country is such a young nation (only becoming independent in 2011), there is practically no information about its cuisine online.
However, Shaiyah is likely an adaptation of pan-fried meat dishes from other African and Middle Eastern countries. This unique meat dish is so delicious, and it’s often reserved for special occasions in Sudan when the family freshly slaughtered an animal for a celebration.
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So, what sets Sudanese Shaiyah apart from other meat dishes? Well, for starters, it’s all in the ingredients. The aromatic spices used, including cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and black pepper, give the meat a unique flavor profile that is distinctly Sudanese.
Another significant component is the cooking method. Unlike many other meat dishes, Shaiyah is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the spices to infuse deeply into the meat. The result is a dish that is incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Similarly, Sudanese Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua likely evolved from the traditional tomato salads in many parts of the world. The use of peanut butter as a dressing is a creative twist believed to have originated in West Africa, where peanuts are a common ingredient in many dishes. The perfect pairing of sweet, nutty, and savory flavors in the dressing, with the juicy tomatoes and crunchy onions, creates a unique and delectable salad loved in Sudan and beyond.
Join Dr. Noela Mogga, a talented physician, food blogger, and loving mother, in her kitchen as she guides you through the nitty-gritty of her delicious Shaiyah recipe. With her passion for healthy food and her cultural roots, Dr. Noela Mogga brings the unique flavors of South Sudan to every home and kitchen through her blog, “Taste Of Sudan.” And now, you too can learn her secrets and create a taste of Sudan right in your own home.
Shaiyah (Sudanese Pan Fried Meat) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb
- 1 large onion (cut in half)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
For garnish:
- ½ lime (sliced)
- Parsley leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- Toss the meat in a large bowl and wash it properly.
- In a large pan, marinate the meat with the blend of spices, salt, minced garlic, and onions for 15 minutes.
- And enough water, cover the pan, and cook for 30 minutes under medium heat -it allows the flavors to infuse and the meat to cook to perfection.
- To witness the true magic of this dish, when the meat is halfway cooked, drain the meat stock, leaving only the meat and spices in the pan.
- Add vegetable oil and fry the meat, stirring occasionally.
- Squeeze in some lime juice to infuse even more flavor. If desired, gradually add some meat stock as you fry.
- Once the meat caramelizes evenly on all sides, your Shaiyah is ready to serve.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a lime wedge.
- Enjoy with rice, bread, couscous, or tomato salad!
Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua (Tomato Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing) Recipe
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes (seedless and diced)
- 3-4 small green onions (finely sliced)
- 2 small green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toss the ripe tomatoes, green onions, and bell peppers into a bowl. You can also add some cucumbers or any vegetables you like.
- Pour the peanut butter, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a separate bowl, and whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the peanut butter dressing over the vegetables, and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and peanuts for extra crunch (optional).
- Serve as a side dish with the Shaiyah, and enjoy your delicious Sudanese meal!

Shaiyah (Sudanese Pan Fried Meat) Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb
- 1 large onion (cut in half)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
For garnish:
- ½ lime (sliced)
- Parsley leaves chopped
Instructions
- Toss the meat in a large bowl and wash it properly.
- In a large pan, marinate the meat with the blend of spices, salt, minced garlic, and onions for 15 minutes.
- And enough water, cover the pan, and cook for 30 minutes under medium heat -it allows the flavors to infuse and the meat to cook to perfection.
- To witness the true magic of this dish, when the meat is halfway cooked, drain the meat stock, leaving only the meat and spices in the pan.
- Add vegetable oil and fry the meat, stirring occasionally.
- Squeeze in some lime juice to infuse even more flavor. If desired, gradually add some meat stock as you fry.
- Once the meat caramelizes evenly on all sides, your Shaiyah is ready to serve.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a lime wedge.
- Enjoy with rice, bread, couscous, or tomato salad!
Video
Nutrition

Salata Tomatim Bel Daqua (Tomato Salad with Peanut Butter Dressing) Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes seedless and diced
- 3-4 small green onions finely sliced
- 2 small green bell peppers
- fresh parsley chopped
For dressing:
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss the ripe tomatoes, green onions, and bell peppers into a bowl. You can also add some cucumbers or any vegetables you like.
- Pour the peanut butter, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper into a separate bowl, and whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the peanut butter dressing over the vegetables, and toss well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and peanuts for extra crunch (optional).
- Serve as a side dish with the Shaiyah, and enjoy your delicious Sudanese meal!

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