Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)

Name: Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight; 1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped; 1/2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded; 4 tbsp cold water; 1 tsp kosher salt; 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Nigerian breakfast fritters made from peeled black-eyed peas blended into a light batter with onion and pepper, then fried until golden and crispy. Plan ahead: soak the peas overnight to loosen the skins.

45 minMediumServes 4230 cal/serving

West AfricanBreakfastStovetopVeganLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped
1/2 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded
4 tbsp cold water
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1

Drain 2 cups soaked overnight dried black-eyed peas and rub them between your palms under running water to loosen and remove their skins. The skins will float off; discard them. Drain well.
2

Place the peeled peas in a blender or food processor with 1/2 roughly chopped yellow onion, 1/2 seeded scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, and 4 tbsp cold water. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. The batter should be thick and airy.
3

Transfer batter to a bowl, add 1 tsp kosher salt, and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon or whisk for 2 minutes to incorporate air. The batter should be light and slightly fluffy.
4

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be at least 2 inches deep.
5

Drop rounded tablespoons of batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches without crowding, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes total.
6

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while crispy.

Questions

How long does Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters) keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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