Akara is a popular Nigerian street food made from black-eyed peas and spices. These deep-fried bean cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Recipe Summary
Preparation
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
Instructions
1
Step 1
Soak the black-eyed peas in water for about 4 hours or overnight to soften them.
2
Step 2
Peel and chop the onion, and deseed the hot peppers.
3
Step 3
Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas, then transfer them to a blender or food processor.
4
Step 4
Add the onion, hot peppers, crayfish, and salt to the blender with the peas.
5
Step 5
Blend until you have a thick and smooth batter. You can add a little water if necessary, but keep it as thick as possible.
6
Step 6
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
7
Step 7
When the oil is hot, scoop spoonfuls of the batter and carefully drop them into the oil. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking.
8
Step 8
Remove the akara from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9
Step 9
Serve your delicious akara hot with pap (akamu) or bread.
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Akara and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Easy difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 30 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for 4 servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.