Kanyah

Name: Kanyah
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Liberian
Ingredients: 2 cups raw rice; 1 cup roasted peanuts; 1/2 cup sugar; Pinch of salt

Kanyah (KAN-yah)

Roasted Rice and Sugar Snack

⏱ Prep Time 25 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 298 kcal

A simple, addictive snack of dry-roasted rice ground with sugar and peanuts, eaten by the handful — Liberia's favourite portable treat.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 44.0g

Fat 10.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ peanuts

Equipment Needed

heavy pan mortar and pestle or blender

Presentation Guide

Vessel: small bowl or paper bag

Accompaniments: water, palm wine

Ingredients

2 cups raw rice
1 cup roasted peanuts
1/2 cup sugar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1
Dry-roast rice in a heavy pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, about 15 minutes.
2
Let cool slightly. Grind roasted rice in a mortar or blender to a coarse powder.
3
Grind roasted peanuts separately.
4
Mix rice powder, peanut powder, sugar, and salt together.
5
Serve in bowls or pack in bags for on-the-go snacking.

💡

Did You Know?

Kanyah was the original Liberian trail mix — farmers and travelers carried it on long journeys because it is lightweight, nutritious, and never spoils.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

heavy pan
mortar and pestle or blender

Accompaniments

water, palm wine

The Story Behind Kanyah

Kanyah is one of Liberia's oldest snack foods, created as a portable, high-energy food for travelers and workers. The simple combination of roasted rice and peanuts with sugar provided sustained energy and could be stored for weeks, making it an essential part of rural Liberian life.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed snack, any time of day 📜 Origins: Traditional Liberian snack, pre-colonial

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