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Wara Sisun

Also known as Wara Sisun (Fried Nigerian Cheese)

Wara Sisun — fried Nigerian cheese — is the most commonly eaten form of Wara in Southern Nigeria, where the fresh Fulani cheese is cut into cubes, fried in hot palm oil until deeply golden and slightly charred on all sides, and then added to soups, stews and rice dishes, or eaten as a standalone fried protein snack. The frying transforms the mild, slightly grainy fresh Wara into something spectacular — the exterior becomes golden, slightly crunchy and deeply flavoured from th

Wara Sisun, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • A big block of fresh Wara (Recipe #440) — or commercially purchased fresh Wara
  • Palm oil or vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt — for seasoning before frying
  • Half a teaspoon of ground Cameroon pepper — optional, for a slightly spiced version

Method

  1. 01

    Preparing the Wara for Frying. Cut the fresh Wara into cubes approximately the size of a large dice. Pat each piece dry with paper towels — any surface moisture will cause dangerous splatter when they hit the hot oil. Season lightly with salt and Cameroon pepper if using.

  2. 02

    Heating the Oil. Heat palm oil or vegetable oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Test with a tiny piece of Wara — it should sizzle immediately upon contact with the oil.

  3. 03

    Frying. Add the Wara cubes in a single layer — do not overcrowd. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes without moving, until the underside is deeply golden-brown. Flip each piece. Fry for 3 to 4 more minutes until all sides are golden-brown, slightly charred at the edges and beautifully fragrant.

  4. 04

    Draining. Remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels. Season with an additional tiny pinch of salt while still hot.

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