Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)
Local name: Àkàrà
In short: Light, crisp-edged fritters of peeled black-eyed peas whipped with onion and chili, fried until golden and served with pap or bread for breakfast. It takes about 50 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 50 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 355 kcal
Akara are bean fritters sold from roadside pots every morning in Nigeria, usually wrapped in paper with a side of soft pap or bread. Peeled black-eyed peas are blended with onion and chili, then whipped by hand until the batter turns pale and fluffy. Fried in hot oil, the fritters turn crisp outside and cloud-soft inside. The whipping is the step that makes the difference.
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas in cold water for 1 hour. Drain, then rub them between your palms in a bowl of fresh water so the skins float away. Pour off the skins and repeat until most are gone.
- Blend the peeled beans with the chopped half of the onion, the scotch bonnets and just enough water to turn the blades. The paste should be thick and smooth, like firm hummus.
- Scrape the paste into a large bowl and whip it hard with a wooden spoon or whisk for 4 to 5 minutes, until it turns paler and fluffy. Stir in the diced onion and salt.
- Pour 5 cm (2 inches) of oil into a deep pan and heat to 180°C (350°F). A small spoonful of batter should sizzle at once and float up.
- Drop heaped tablespoons of batter into the oil, 5 or 6 at a time. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once or twice, until deep golden and puffed.
- Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with pap (ogi), soft bread or garri.
Tips
- Do not skip the whipping. Air is what makes akara light, and a batter that is still dense and gray will fry up heavy.
- For a fuller flavor, add a small diced red bell pepper or a pinch of ground ginger to the batter just before frying.
Questions and answers
Why does my akara absorb so much oil?
The oil is probably too cool or the batter too wet. Fry at 180°C (350°F) and add water to the blender only a spoonful at a time.
Can I bake akara instead of frying it?
You can, but the texture will be denser. Place spoonfuls on an oiled tray and bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 20 minutes, turning once.
Do I have to peel the black-eyed peas?
Peeling gives the pale, airy center that makes classic akara. Unpeeled beans make a darker, denser and slightly bitter fritter.
How long does it take to make Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)?
About 50 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)?
About 355 kcal per serving, with 18 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 355 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 560 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
