Akara Beans - African Bean Fritters is a popular West African street food made from black-eyed peas with other ingredients and deep-fried. This is one of the simplest snacks with few ingredients but very tricky. I will highlight essential tips and tricks to make the best fluffy Akara.
It is called Accra beans in Cameroon, Akara beans in Nigeria and Koose in Ghana. I also came across a documentary where something similar was made in Brazil called acaraje, which has fillings, but I have never tried it.
I usually enjoy the morning flavors from the streets, with Akara flavors hitting you from every corner. You cannot resist this. I will get some and fill it inside bread, what an excellent breakfast. It's worth trying, indeed, and you can make it in the comfort of your home. You'll also enjoy our cassava and banana fritters.
Ingredients Used:
- Black-eyes peas
- Salt
- Habanero peppers
- Water
- Oil to deep fry
How To Peel The Beans
You cannot make Akara without peeling the beans. I often buy the already-peeled beans to save stress and soak them overnight to soften them.
If you are using unpeeled beans,
- Soak it overnight, transfer it to a food processor, press pulse a few times to remove the skin.
- Transfer to a bowl and add enough water. The skin will float. Now, use a colander to remove and discard the skin.
- Repeat the process until you remove all the skin.
If you do not have a food processor, use your hands to rub the beans until the skin comes off. Rinse until no skin is visible.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Akara is made differently according to preference. So make it according to your taste buds.
- You can add bell peppers.
- Do not over-blend to be entirely smooth. You want it to have a slightly coarse consistency.
- Some people add seasoning powder. I don't like the taste. Salt will do the trick for you.
- No, you cannot air fry or bake. That will not be Akara.
- Adjust the hot peppers according to your level of heat.
What To Serve With Akara Beans
- Pap or Akamu
- Bread
- Tea or coffee
- As it is
Akara Beans - African Bean Fritters
Akara Beans - African Bean Fritters is a popular West African street food made from black-eyed peas with other ingredients and deep-fried.
- 2 cups Black-eyed peas (peeled)
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 Habanero peppers
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- little water to blend
- Cooking oil (to deep fry)
Soak the beans in water for about 6 hours or preferably overnight to soften.
Drain the beans and transfer them to a blender, add the onion, peppers and little water. Blend to form a thick batter. DO NOT OVER BLEND. SEE NOTES.
To achieve a fluffy akara, you need to incorporate air, and by doing so, I transfer the batter to an electric mixer or use a hand mixer. Add salt and mix until it is light and fluffy.
Heat oil on medium heat and test the hotness by dropping a bit of batter. If it boils and floats, the oil is ready to use.
Using a cooking spoon, grease it with some cooking oil. Then, start scooping the batter into the oil.
Fry until it is golden brown on both sides.
Remove and place on an absorbent paper and serve hot.
Bilikis says
Thanks for the recipe ma.It looks so delicious
Bilikis says
Thanks for recipe ma.This Akara will go well with pap
Bilikis says
It looks so delicious.It will go well with hot pap
Bilikis says
This method of making akara is the best
Bilikis says
Thanks for this recipe ma,have learn another method of making akara