Nigerian Akara, also known as Bean Cakes, is a beloved traditional street food that holds a special place in the hearts of many Nigerians. These golden-brown fritters, made from beans/black-eyed peas, onions, and spices, fried in cooking oil, are not only delicious but very affordable and accessible.
Growing up in Nigeria, we could buy the most delicious and aromatic Akara from almost every major street corner as it has always been a very popular street food and many vendors sold Akara alongside other street foods like puff-puff, fried yams (dundun) with peppered meats and fish, buns, egg rolls, and water yam cakes (ojojo).
It was not unusual to find a long line of eager buyers waiting to be attended to by the more popular street food vendors. Delicious Akara is one of the street food/snacks that Yoruba people refer to as “akomolole”, which translates to ‘this tempts the child to steal’. The aroma, the robust flavors, and the texture delight the taste buds and other senses.
Akara has deep roots in Nigerian cuisine, dating back centuries. This dish originated from the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. Over time, it has become a staple across the country, enjoyed by people from various ethnic backgrounds. Traditionally, Akara was prepared as a breakfast or snack item, often sold by street vendors.
This recipe provides you with a step-by-step process to recreate this flavorful treat in your own kitchen.
- Photo by Phoenix
- Table of Contents
- Utensils/Appliances Needed For Akara:
- Ingredients For Akara Recipe:
- Instructions For Akara Recipe:
Utensils/Appliances Needed For Akara:
Bowls
Knife
Wooden Spatula
Slotted Scoop
Food Chopper (optional)
Blender
Deep Frying Pan
Ingredients For Akara Recipe:
4 Cups of Beans
Water (extremely little)
Cooking oil
1 Large Onion
Scotch Bonnets or Habanero (as preferred)
Salt (To taste)
Instructions For Akara Recipe:
Gather all ingredients and utensils for your convenience.
Soak the beans in water for about 5 minutes and peel by hand or by using the blender. If you choose to use the blender, peel the beans by pressing the pulse button on the blender at intervals till the peel comes off the beans. Soak the peeled beans in mildly salted water water for 1 to 2 hours to soften them. Salting the water helps the bean retain its natural flavor.
Before blending onions, cut and set aside two single peels/layers of onions. If you like the onions and peppers in your Akara to be visible, chop them separately in a food chopper and blend the beans to a very smooth thick batter in the blender separately. If you don’t the onions and peppers in your food to be visible, combine the peeled beans, chopped onions, and hot peppers in the blender. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, thick batter. If needed, add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Transfer the blended (and chopped) mixture to a bowl, add salt to taste, and whisk it vigorously in one direction for a few minutes. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making the Akara light and fluffy.
In a deep frying pan, heat cooking oil over medium heat. Add the two single peels/layers of onions that you set aside earlier to the hot oil for an added delightful aroma. Remove the onions when they are fried and darkened.
Using a spoon or scoop, drop small amounts of the batter into the hot oil. Add as many scoops of batter as your frying pan will allow without the scoops of batter sticking together. Fry until each side is golden brown, ensuring the inside is cooked through. Once the Akara is golden and crispy, use a slotted scoop to remove it from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined bowl or colander. Repeat the same process batch by batch until the batter runs out. Serve the Akara hot with your favorite (side) dish.
Nigerian Akara is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own, as a side dish, or even as a filling in sandwiches. It pairs well with traditional Nigerian staples such as bread, cereal, custard, pap (ogi/akamu), tapioca, and the like, or can be eaten as a snack by itself. Many people also love to enjoy Akara with spicy pepper sauce for an extra kick.
Nigerian Akara is not just a tasty snack; it’s a cultural icon that reflects the diversity and richness of Nigerian cuisine. By following this simple recipe, you can bring the authentic flavors of Akara into your own kitchen, savoring a popular piece of Nigerian culinary heritage. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a delightful journey into the world of Nigerian Akara!
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