Bean Balls
Cuisine of Nigeria Akara are a Nigerian snack of fried beans. In Ghana, it is also known as koose or black-eyed pea fritters. Akara can be considered one of the simplest vegetarian or vegan-friendly Nigerian dishes. It is often served with akamu (pap), eko, bread, Nigerian custard, fried plantains (dodo), fried potatoes, and more.
Before you start
A quick setup makes the method easier to follow and keeps important steps from being missed.
Preparation checklist
- Read all 9 method steps from beginning to end.
- Measure and arrange all 6 listed ingredients.
- Keep the recipe open and follow each step in order; the source does not state a total time.
Recipe notes & preparation tips
To avoid burns, use caution when handling hot oil.
It is up to individual preference which vegetable oil is used for deep frying.
Individual spice preferences should be considered when adjusting pepper quantity.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Nowadays, especially in private homes, the skin of the beans is no longer removed so as to get the maximum nutritional benefit from the beans.
Adapted from the source recipe's notes.Method
- 01
Pick over the beans to remove any dirt or debris.
- 02
Soak the beans in lukewarm water for 30–40 minutes, then drain.
- 03
Cover the beans with water and gently rub the beans together with your hands to remove the outer skins. The skins should separate and floats to the water's surface.
- 04
Carefully scoop off the floating skins, then drain the beans. To remove any leftover skin or impurities, rinse the beans under running water while swishing them around with your hands.
- 05
Transfer the washed beans to a blender or food processor with the chopped onions and scotch bonnet peppers. Add a small amount of water to aid in blending, then blend the mixture until a smooth batter-like consistency is achieved. The batter should be thick but easily pourable.
- 06
Pour the batter into a bowl. Add salt and seasoning to taste, and mix well.
- 07
Place a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat and pour in enough vegetable oil for deep frying. Allow the oil to heat up.
- 08
To shape the akara, take a spoonful of the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry the akara until golden brown and crisp, turning once or twice to ensure uniform cooking. This usually takes 2–3 minutes per side.
- 09
Serve hot with corn pap, bread, or any other accompaniment you desire.
Ready to serve
Serve the dish as directed and enjoy it while it is at its best.
Bon appétit — enjoy your meal!Source & licence
This recipe was adapted and reformatted from Wikibooks Cookbook . Text: CC BY-SA 4.0. Image: CC BY-SA 4.0, credited to AkinkuotuFunmi; view original image record .
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