Nigerian · Snack

Akara black-eyed-pea fritters

These small bean fritters have a crisp golden outside and a light center seasoned with onion and chili. Soaked black-eyed peas provide the structure, while vigorous mixing helps the batter fry with a little lift.

VeganModerateAbout 24 fritters; 4 per serving

Ingredients

Original recipe: About 24 fritters; 4 per serving. Ingredient amounts scale below; the method is written for 6 servings. For larger amounts, use separate batches and check doneness.

  • 300 gDry black-eyed peas
  • 1500 mlWater for soaking
  • 80 mlCold water for blending
  • 100 gOnion, chopped
  • 80 gRed bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ eachScotch bonnet chili, seeds removed
  • ¾ tspFine salt
  • 800 mlSunflower oil for frying, not all absorbed

Make it

  1. Soak the beans in the measured soaking water in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Drain, rub firmly between your hands to loosen their skins and rinse repeatedly under running water, pouring off the floating skins. Drain well.
  2. Blend the peeled beans, onion, bell pepper and chili with the 80 ml cold water, pausing to scrape the blender. Aim for a thick, smooth paste that holds a mound rather than a pourable batter.
  3. Transfer to a bowl and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for 3–4 minutes to aerate. Stir in the salt just before frying.
  4. Heat the oil to 175°C/350°F in a heavy pot no more than half full. Drop heaped tablespoons of batter, about 35 g each, into the oil in small batches. Fry for 5–6 minutes, turning, until deeply golden and the center is fully cooked with no wet bean paste.
  5. Lift onto a rack and repeat, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches. Serve warm, about four fritters per portion.
Ingredients, recipe context & sources

Ingredient flags: None of the nine major allergens identified in the specified ingredients. Check packaged ingredients and cross-contact.

This is an original Livura home-cooking interpretation, not yet independently kitchen-tested. Source links provide dish and cultural context; the recipe wording and quantities are Livura’s.

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