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Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)

Nigerian · Breakfast · Medium

Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)

Total
1 hr 25 min
Prep
1 hr 5 min
Serves
4
Calories
300
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Peeled black-eyed peas whip into an airy batter and fry into golden rounds, a Nigerian breakfast with crisp edges and soft centers.

Air beaten into bean batter gives Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters) their light centers. There is no flour or yeast in the mix: peeled beans, onion and chile do the work, with hot oil setting the outside before the middle becomes heavy.

Keep the blender liquid to a minimum and scrape down the sides as needed. The batter should mound on a spoon, because a thin mixture spreads in the oil and loses the rounded shape.

CrispySavoryStreet FoodBudgetVeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freeEgg-free

Method

  1. Soak the black-eyed peas in plenty of water for . Rub handfuls between your palms to loosen the skins, then rinse repeatedly, skimming away floating skins, until the beans are mostly peeled.

  2. Drain well and blend with onion, scotch bonnet and the measured water into a thick, smooth batter, pausing to scrape the blender. Beat in a bowl for until lighter and aerated, then fold in salt.

  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep heavy saucepan to 350°F (175°C), using enough depth for the fritters to float. Drop in rounded tablespoons of batter without crowding.

  4. Fry in 4 batches for each, turning, until golden and the centers are cooked and fluffy rather than wet. Keep the oil near 350°F (175°C) between batches.

  5. Lift onto a rack to drain. Split the first fritter to check the center before cooking the remaining batter, reducing the heat slightly if the outside colors too quickly.

Forkue tips

  • Pre-peeled dried black-eyed peas save rubbing time; soak them until plump before blending.

Storing and reheating

Best freshly fried. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and re-crisp on a rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven; freeze cooled fritters for up to 1 month.

Kitchen gear

BlenderTop picks on AmazonHeavy saucepanTop picks on AmazonFrying thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

300Calories
14gProtein
40gCarbs
10gFat

Photo: Linason Blessing, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)

Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters): FAQ

Can I make akara with canned beans?

Canned beans have already cooked and do not behave like soaked raw beans. Use dried beans for a batter that holds together and becomes airy.

Why did my akara flatten?

The batter was probably too wet or the oil too cool. Use only enough water to blend and beat the mixture until it holds a soft mound.

How do I store and reheat Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)?

Best freshly fried. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and re-crisp on a rack in a 375°F (190°C) oven; freeze cooled fritters for up to 1 month.

How long does Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters) take?

About 1 hr 25 min in total: 1 hr 5 min prep and 20 min cooking.

What do I need to make Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)?

The key ingredients are black-eyed peas, onion and scotch bonnet pepper, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)?

Pre-peeled dried black-eyed peas save rubbing time; soak them until plump before blending.

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