How to Prepare Akara: A Guide to Making Bean Cake (Fritters)
Are you a fan of a light breakfast in the morning? This is how to prepare Akara recipe for you. With this recipe, you can have a proper breakfast and be on your way in less than no time without stressing yourself. Follow me as I show you how it is done.
How to Prepare Akara
In Nigeria, this food is called Akara but you may know it as bean cakes or bean fritters in other parts of West Africa. It is a dish made dish from beans (black-eyed peas).
Beans are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes it a dish that provides energy and helps keep you feeling full for a longer period.
Because of its high fiber and protein content, this food can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and promote satiety.
Let’s take a look at the Ingredients Used in preparing Akara
Ingredients
1. Two cups black-eyed peas
2. One medium onion, chopped
3. One bell pepper (optional)
4. One to two habanero peppers (optional, for heat)
5. One teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
6. One teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)
7. One to two bouillon cubes (optional)
8. Oil for frying
Steps to Making Akara (Bean Cake or Bean Fritters)
Before you start cooking make sure all your utensils and equipment are clean including your cooking area. As I will always say; hygiene is very important when it comes to what we eat.
Let’s get started;
Step 1
Soak the black-eyed peas in water for a few hours or overnight to soften them and make it easier to remove the skins.
Step 2
Rub the soaked black-eyed peas between your hands to remove the skins. This can be done by hand or by using a food processor for a few pulses. Rinse and drain the beans several times to wash away the skins.
Step 3
In a blender, combine the skinned black-eyed peas, chopped onion, bell pepper, habanero peppers (if using), salt, ground crayfish (if using), and bouillon cubes (if using).
Add a little water to facilitate blending, but be careful not to add too much as the batter should be thick. Blend until you get a smooth and thick paste.
Step 4
Heat a good amount of oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the Akara balls.
Step 5
Using a spoon or your hands, scoop portions of the bean mixture and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 6
Fry the Akara balls until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
Step 7
Remove the Akara from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot, with your choice of side dishes like pap (ogi), custard, bread, or as part of a larger meal.
Simple right? Well, it isn’t very simple but I can also tell you that it isn’t difficult as well. At first, you may not get it right, but then, nobody does on the first trial.
When you miss it, you can always refer to this How to Make Akara recipe and you are back on track.
Make sure that your beans are blended well and do well to maintain medium.
Goodluck as you try it yourself
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