Kunu Gyada da Tsamiya (Hausa Spiced Groundnut and Tamarind Drink)
Kunu gyada is a traditional Northern Nigerian non-fermented grain-free beverage made from raw groundnuts blended with spices and sweetened naturally with dates. The addition of tsamiya (tamarind) makes this version particularly refreshing, cutting through the richness of the groundnut with bright acidity. Sold by malam kunu vendors in Kano and Kaduna markets, this version skips the sugar entirely and uses dates and zobo leaves for colour and sweetness — making it far more nutritious than commercial versions.
Total Time
30 min
Prep
20 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
4
Cuisine
Nigerian Hausa
198kcal
Calories
7g
Protein
18g
Carbs
12g
Fat
3g
Fiber
How to Make It
- 1
Steep the dried zobo petals in 200ml of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and allow the zobo liquid to cool completely.
- 2
Blend the roasted groundnuts with 300ml cold water, pitted dates, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon until completely smooth.
- 3
Strain the groundnut blend through a fine muslin cloth or nut milk bag, squeezing to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids.
- 4
Combine the strained groundnut milk with the zobo liquid, strained tamarind water, and remaining 300ml cold water.
- 5
Add a pinch of salt and whisk together. Taste — the drink should be nutty, tart from the tamarind, and lightly sweet from the dates.
- 6
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving over ice. Shake or stir vigorously before each pour as the drink will settle.
Want this in your meal plan?
Get personalised meal plans, track your nutrition, and access 500+ recipes tailored to your health goals.
Get started free