Kosai with Pap (Millet Porridge)

Name: Kosai with Pap (Millet Porridge)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 2 cans black-eyed peas (15 oz), drained, rinsed; 1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped; 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero; use half for mild); 1/2 tsp salt (for fritters); 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup fine white cornmeal (or corn grits); 4 cups water (for pap); 2 tbsp sugar (for pap; optional); 1/4 tsp salt (for pap)

A West African breakfast pairing of kosai - crispy fried black-eyed pea fritters - served alongside pap, a warm and smooth cornmeal porridge. Together they make a satisfying and nourishing morning meal.

45 minEasyServes 4220 cal/serving

West AfricanBreakfastStovetopVeganHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

2 cans black-eyed peas (15 oz), drained, rinsed
1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero; use half for mild)
1/2 tsp salt (for fritters)
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 cup fine white cornmeal (or corn grits)
4 cups water (for pap)
2 tbsp sugar (for pap; optional)
1/4 tsp salt (for pap)

Instructions

1

Make the pap: whisk 1 cup fine white cornmeal (or corn grits) with a splash of cold water to form a slurry. Bring 4 cups water (for pap) to a boil, then pour in the slurry while whisking constantly.
2

Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until thick and smooth. Stir in 2 tbsp sugar (for pap; optional) and 1/4 tsp salt (for pap). Keep warm.
3

Make the kosai: blend 2 cans drained, rinsed black-eyed peas (15 oz), 1/2 roughly chopped yellow onion, and 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero; use half for mild) with 2-3 tbsp water into a thick paste.
4

Transfer paste to a bowl and beat vigorously for 2 minutes to incorporate air. Season with 1/2 tsp salt (for fritters).
5

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of batter into oil and fry in batches until golden, about 3-4 minutes, turning once.
6

Drain kosai on paper towels. Serve alongside warm pap.

Questions

How long does Kosai with Pap (Millet Porridge) 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 Kosai with Pap (Millet Porridge)?

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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