Akara also known as bean fritters is a popular, traditional Nigerian dish that has been around for a long time. It is a delicious meal made from beans as the name implies bean fritters. This delicious meal is made from black eyed peas grounded into a thick paste then fried in hot oil. Although it can be made with other types of Beans, black eyed peas is the best to use.
Akara is basically a breakfast option, it can be a snack or a side dish but it’s mainly taken during breakfast period. This dish is very easy to make and it’s packed with proteins so let’s say it’s a healthy meal as well. Although Akara is mainly known as a street food, it can be made at the comfort of your home. It is a delicious snack or breakfast option and often paired with a spicy sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients Needed To Make Akara:
- 2 cups of black eyed peas
- 1 onion
- 1-2 scotch of bonnet pepper or any other pepper of your choice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika(optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
These are just the ingredients you need to make your delicious Akara. Though the paprika and cayenne pepper are completely optional but you can add them for added flavors. Also note that you can soak the beans overnight to soften it before blending.
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Procedure On How To Make Akara
- First of all, you need to wash the beans properly, enough to peel off the skin of the beans in other to achieve a smooth textured Akara. This is why it is necessary to soak for about 4 hours or more to ease off the peeling.
- After peeling and washing the beans properly, drain and put it in a blender and blend into a fine paste. Add the chopped onions and pepper and blend until you get a smooth and thick batter. Note that you can add water if it’s too thick but be careful not to over add water to avoid making it too watery.
- After blending, transfer the batter into a bowl and add your spices. Add the salt and other spices like paprika and cayenne pepper if you desire. Then mix properly until well combined.
- Heat up a deep pan, then add the vegetable oil and let it heat up on a medium heat. Be sure to add enough oil to submerge the Akara.
- After the oil has heated, get a medium sized spoon or use your hands to scoop the Akara and put into the heating oil. Repeat to fry a right amount of Akara at a time but be careful not to over crowd the pan.
- Fry the Akara turning to the sides occasionally until both sides are golden brown. After frying, use a slotted spoon to scoop the Akara out of the oil and put them in a paper towel lined tray to drain out any remaining oil.
- Repeat the frying process for the other remaining batter until all the Akara is fried. After frying serve and enjoy your Akara or bean fritters.
That’s basically it, it’s an easy recipe with the proper guidelines. Serve and enjoy your Akara with pap or bread and tea or enjoy the Akara like that with some pepper sauce. Enjoy it anyhow you like.
Conclusion:
This dish is very enjoyable and satisfying. It’s a great breakfast option. It is enjoyed by many Nigerians and it is very popular. I suggest you try it out, you will definitely enjoy it especially if you’re a fan of beans cuisines.
If you found this article helpful please share with your family, friends and loved ones and also leave a comment down below on the comment section on your experience making this recipe and how you like to enjoy it. We’ll be happy to hear from you. Enjoy your meal and have a lovely making.
