Akara: How to Make Delicious Black-Eyed Pea Fritters

If you are looking for a tasty and satisfying snack that is easy to make and full of flavor, look no further than Akara. Akara is a crispy and fluffy fritter made from black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas. They are popular in many West African countries, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, as well as in Brazil, where they are called acarajé.

Akara are typically eaten for breakfast or as a street food, served with bread, pap (a cornmeal porridge), or a spicy sauce. They are also vegan and gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. In this article, we will show you how to make Akara at home, with tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

What are the ingredients for Akara?

To make Akara, you will need the following ingredients:

• Black-eyed peas: These are the main ingredient for akara. You can use dried or canned black-eyed peas, but we recommend using dried ones for better texture and flavor. You will need to soak them overnight or for at least 6 hours before making the fritters.
• Onion: This adds some sweetness and aroma to the fritters. You can use red or yellow onion, depending on your preference.
• Hot pepper: This adds some heat and spice to the fritters. You can use any type of hot pepper you like, such as habanero, Scotch bonnet, jalapeño, or serrano. You can also adjust the amount of pepper according to your taste.
• Salt: This enhances the flavor of the fritters. You can use kosher salt or table salt, but be careful not to add too much salt if you are using canned black-eyed peas, as they may already contain some sodium.
• Seasoning cube: This is an optional ingredient that adds some extra flavor and umami to the fritters. You can use any type of seasoning cube you like, such as vegetable, chicken, or beef. You can also omit this ingredient if you prefer a more natural taste.
• Oil: This is used for frying the fritters. You can use any oil that has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or coconut oil.

How to make Akara step by step

To make akara, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas and soak them in water overnight or for at least 6 hours. This will help them soften and peel easily.
2. Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and rinse them again. Then, peel off the skins by rubbing them between your palms or using a blender. The skins will float to the top of the water and you can pour them off. You may need to repeat this process several times until most of the skins are removed.
3. Transfer the peeled black-eyed peas to a blender or food processor and add the onion, pepper, salt, and seasoning cube if using. Blend until you have a smooth and thick paste. You may need to add some water to help the blending process, but be careful not to add too much water as this will make the fritters soggy.
4. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
5. Scoop some of the batter with a spoon and drop it carefully into the hot oil. You can shape the batter into balls or discs, depending on your preference. Do not overcrowd the skillet as this will lower the temperature of the oil and make the fritters greasy.
6. Fry the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden and crisp on all sides. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
7. Repeat with the remaining batter until you have used up all of it. You can keep the cooked fritters warm in a low oven while you fry the rest.
8. Serve your akara hot or warm, with bread, pap, or a spicy sauce of your choice.

Tips and variations for making Akara

Here are some tips and variations for making akara:

• To make your akara more flavorful, you can add some other ingredients to the batter, such as garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, parsley, or cilantro.
• To make your akara more nutritious, you can add some other beans or legumes to the batter, such as chickpeas, lentils, or kidney beans.
• To make your akara more colorful, you can add some grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the batter.
• To make your akara more crunchy, you can coat them with some cornmeal or breadcrumbs before frying them.
• To make your akara more tender, you can add some baking powder or baking soda to the batter. This will help them rise and become lighter.

How to store and reheat Akara

You can store leftover akara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat them, you can either bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave them for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.

Why you should try Akara

Akara are not only delicious but also have many health benefits. Here are some reasons why you should try akara:

• They are rich in protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer.
• They are low in fat and calories, which can help you maintain a healthy weight.
• They are high in iron and folate, which can help prevent anemia and support blood formation.
• They are gluten-free and vegan, which can suit people with allergies or dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Akara are one of the most popular snacks in West Africa and beyond. They are easy to make at home with simple ingredients and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a street food. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a spicy and savory flavor that will make you want more.

If you are looking for a new way to use black-eyed peas or want to try something different from your usual fritters, give Akara a try. You will be amazed by how delicious they are and how versatile they can be.

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to make Akara at home. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.