**Discover the Delightful World of Black-Eyed Peas Fritters (Akara): A Culinary Journey into Nigerian Cuisine**
In the heart of West Africa, where culinary traditions blend vibrant flavors and textures, lies a beloved dish that embodies the essence of Nigerian cuisine: black-eyed peas fritters, also known as akara. These delectable fritters, made from a batter of black-eyed peas, onions, and spices, are a symphony of crispy exteriors and soft, flavorful interiors. Akara holds a special place in Nigerian culture, often served as a breakfast delicacy or a teatime snack, accompanied by a spicy sauce or a refreshing pap. In this comprehensive guide, we'll embark on a culinary journey to explore two variations of akara: a classic recipe using black-eyed peas and a unique twist featuring sweet potatoes. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Nigerian cuisine as we delve into the art of making akara.
AKARA (BLACK-EYED PEA FRITTERS)
Note that Akara take at least an entire day to prepare, in order to allow the black-eyed peas to soak and the batter to rest. These fritters (known as accra, akara, akla, binch akara, bean balls, kosai, koose, kose, koosé, and kwasi) are commonly prepared at home for breakfast, for snacks, or as an appetizer or side dish.
Provided by daboutans
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time P1DT30m
Yield 10 fritters, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Clean the black-eyed peas in running water. Soak them in water for at least a few hours or overnight. After soaking them, rub them together between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse to wash away the skins and any other debris. Drain them in a colander.
- Crush, grind, or mash the black-eyed peas into a thick paste. Add enough water to form a smooth, thick paste of a batter that will cling to a spoon. Add all other ingredients (except oil). Some people allow the batter to stand for a few hours (overnight in the refrigerator); doing so improves the flavor.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet. Beat the batter with a wire whisk or wooden spoon for a few minutes. Make fritters by scooping up a spoon full of batter and using another spoon to quickly push it into the hot oil. Deep fry the fritters until they are golden brown. Turn them frequently while frying. (If the fritters fall apart in the oil, stir in a beaten egg, some cornmeal or crushed breadcrumbs.).
- Serve with an African Hot Sauce or salt, as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish.
- Variation: Add a half cup of finely chopped leftover cooked meat to the batter before frying; or add a similar amount dried shrimp or prawns.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1402.2, Fat 110.6, SaturatedFat 14.5, Sodium 312.2, Carbohydrate 79.5, Fiber 13.9, Sugar 10.5, Protein 29.9
BLACK-EYED PEA FRITTERS ("ACCARA")
Although most recipes for accara usually begin with soaking dried black-eyed peas overnight, this recipe eliminates that step by using canned ones. We've also added a cornmeal crust to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft interior.
Provided by Young Sun Huh
Time 1h25m
Yield 24 fritters
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- For the fritters: Place two-thirds of the black eyed peas, 1/4 cup of water, the olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor and blend to a smooth paste. Add the remaining peas and the scallions and pulse 4 or 5 times to break up the peas but not completely puree them. Scoop about a heaping tablespoon of the mixture at a time into your hands and form about 24 balls. (The balls do not need to be perfectly round--they are more authentic if roughly formed.) Put the cornmeal in a shallow baking dish. Roll the balls in the cornmeal, leaving them in the baking dish, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- For the sauce: Heat the peanut oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the habaneros and onions and cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt and black pepper. When the tomatoes start to break down and get soft, put a lid on the pan, lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Let the sauce cool slightly, and then blend in a food processor until smooth.
- Pour 2 to 3 inches of peanut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil registers 375 degrees F. Fry the fritters, in 2 or 3 batches, about 4 minutes per batch. Remove to drain on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and serve with the spicy tomato sauce on the side.
Tips:
- To make sure the fritters are cooked evenly, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter.
- If you don't have a deep fryer, you can also shallow fry the fritters in a large skillet or pan.
- If you are using canned black-eyed peas, be sure to rinse and drain them well before using.
- If you want a spicier fritter, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this will make the fritters tough.
- Serve the fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Black-eyed pea fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they are also a great way to use up leftover black-eyed peas. With their crispy exterior and soft and flavorful interior, black-eyed pea fritters are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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