Akara, better known as black-eyed peas fritters, is a delicious, vegetarian-friendly snack that you will love to binge on! These fritters are crispy, golden, tasty, and downright delicious, along with being very tummy-filling. Light and fluffy with a great combination of savory and spicy taste – Akara is a delightful Nigerian snack making its way in various countries.
Akara or Acarajé were first sold during colonial times by formerly enslaved people. For them, selling Akara was their primary source of income after the abolition of slavery in 1886. This snack is not just a food item for these people as it plays a significant role in formerly enslaved people’s history. They have a sacred origin as well as Akara is associated with the divinities of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion brought by the enslaved West Africans to Brazil.
Effortless Akara Nigerian Food Recipe!
African blacked-eye peas fritters or Akara is one of the most delicious snack recipes you can easily make at home! Don’t be intimidated by the process as it is a very delightful recipe that is enjoyed in African homes.
In this recipe, beans are soaked and blended for the perfect texture. The skin is removed and then puréed with red onions, bell peppers, and habanero peppers for a flavorful taste. Once it is done, little scoops of the mixture are fried into small portions of hot oil until golden brown.
It is the ultimate “go-to” breakfast recipe for many West African countries. In Ghana, it is known as loose or akla, while in Cameroon, it is known as kosai. People in Sierra Leone call these crispy fritters bean akara. Even though there are various names for this dish, it will provide you with the same taste and crunch!
So, let’s see how you can make these crispy Nigerian breakfast recipes at home!
Quick Stats
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Ingredients
- 2 Cups black-eyed peas dry
- 1 Small Habanero Chili
- Half red bell pepper
- One small Onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1 Bouillon powder
- 1/4 cup water for blending
- Vegetable Oil Enough for deep frying
Method to Prepare
- First, soak the beans for about half an hour till the skin is swollen and easy to peel off. You can use your hands or blender a couple of times until the skin falls off.
- Now, take a large bowl and add beans to it and enough water to separate the skin from the beans. Swirl the beans around, and the skin will float on the surface automatically.
- Remove the skin with the help of a colander. Repeat the process until your beans are skinless.
- Then, add clean beans into the blender, pour water, and add red bell paper, habanero pepper, salt, bouillon powder, and crayfish. Blend everything till you get a paste.
- Take another large bowl, pour the batter into it, and whisk it until it is fluffy and light.
- If you are using your hands, whisk it for 3 to 4 minutes, or whisk it for a minute or two if you are using a stand mixer.
- Then, add finely diced onions and gently fold with a wooden spoon or spatula in one direction.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan. Drop a scoop of fritter batter into the hot oil—Fry akara in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook both sides for a total of 5 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Press them before taking them out of the pan to remove excess oil.
- Drain akara on paper towels. Serve them warm with onions, and enjoy!
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Final Words
If you are looking for something delicious and crunchy breakfast recipe to begin your morning, then Akara is best for you. This Nigerian recipe is savory, spicy, and can tantalize your taste buds. So, try these crispy fritters and enjoy a delectable recipe with your family.
