How to Make Akara: Step-by-step Guide

Akara, also known as black-eyed peas fritters or beans fritters, is a delicious meal that is popular in West Africa and Brazil. These crispy and golden fritters are made from black-eyed peas paste and can be enjoyed as a filling breakfast, a tasty snack, or even as an appetizer. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making akara from scratch, step by step.

Ingredients for Akara

To make akara, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of black-eyed peas (dry)
• 1 small habanero pepper
• 3 ounces of red bell pepper (approximately half of one red bell pepper)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons of crayfish (unblended)
• Salt to taste
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• 1/4 cup of water for blending (a little extra might be required)
• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Step 1: Preparing the Black-Eyed Peas

1. Start by soaking the black-eyed peas in room temperature water for about 15 to 20 minutes until the skin swells.
2. Drain the water and place the beans in a food processor. Pulse the food processor a few times to remove the skin from the beans.
3. Pour the beans into a large bowl, add enough water, and gently swirl the beans around to allow the skin to float. Discard the skin into a colander. Repeat this process until the beans are clean.

Step 2: Blending the Akara Batter

1. Pour the clean beans into a blender. Add the water, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, salt, bouillon powder, and crayfish.
2. Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth batter consistency.

Tip: Be mindful of the texture of the batter. Avoid blending it too smooth, as the akara won’t form enough air pockets, resulting in dense fritters.

3. Pour the batter into a large bowl and whisk it until it becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand whisk for about 3 to 4 minutes or an electric hand mixer for about a minute or two.
4. Add the finely diced onion to the batter and gently fold it in with a wooden spoon or spatula in one direction.

Step 3: Frying the Akara

1. Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan on medium to high heat for deep frying.
2. Using a heaping tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding.
3. Flip the akara once or twice during the frying process to ensure even browning. Fry for about five to six minutes, or until the fritters turn golden brown on all sides.
4. Before removing the akara from the oil, gently press them down to remove any excess oil.
5. Remove the akara from the pan and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Serving the Akara

Akara can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Akara Burger: Place the akara between a small loaf of bread and eat it like a sandwich. It’s a popular option known as the African burger.
• Pair with Pap: Serve akara with pap, which is a fermented corn pudding.
• Serve with Salad: Enjoy akara with a side of salad for a refreshing and healthy meal.
• Dip in Spicy Sauce: Add some heat to your akara by dipping it in a spicy sauce.
• Eat as Is: Akara is delicious on its own and can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

Note: A little salt goes a long way when making akara, so be careful not to add too much. Additionally, be mindful of the quantity of water used to blend the beans. Too much water can result in a thin batter, causing the akara to crumble while frying.

Nutritional Information

Here is the approximate nutritional information for akara:

• Calories: 70kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 143mg
• Potassium: 64mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 141IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 1mg

Variations and Other Black-Eyed Peas Recipes

Akara is just one of the many delicious recipes you can make with black-eyed peas. Here are a few more ideas to explore:

1. Beans Porridge: Try making a hearty and flavorful beans porridge using black-eyed peas as the main ingredient.
2. Moin Moin: Make moin moin, a steamed bean pudding, using black-eyed peas.
3. Rice and Beans: Combine black-eyed peas with rice to create a nutritious and satisfying meal.
4. Mashed Black-Eyed Peas (Ewa Aganyin): Mash black-eyed peas and serve them with a spicy sauce for a tasty and filling dish.
5. Black-Eyed Peas Salad: Create a refreshing salad using black-eyed peas, vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
6. Southern Black-Eyed Peas Recipe: Explore a traditional Southern black-eyed peas recipe for a comforting and soulful meal.

Conclusion

Akara, or black-eyed peas fritters, is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make akara from scratch and impress your friends and family with this flavorful vegetarian-friendly dish. Experiment with different variations and explore other recipes using black-eyed peas to expand your culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, get frying, and savor the crispy and golden goodness of homemade akara!