
Akara
Description
Akara - Authentic recipe from Nigeria. Ready in 50 min. Try it now!
Directions
✓ researched- 1
Soak 200 g black-eyed peas, rub off and remove the skins, then blend with a little water into a smooth, thick paste.
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Akara are West African (Nigerian) deep-fried bean fritters — made from skinned, puréed black-eyed peas, seasoned and fried until golden. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. A popular breakfast.
- 2
Finely chop or purée 1 onion and 50 g bell pepper/chili and stir into the bean paste. Season with salt. Beat the paste vigorously (this incorporates air — making it fluffy).
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Removing the bean skins gives smooth, pale akara. Beating the paste vigorously incorporates air — essential for the fluffy texture. The paste should be thick.
- 3
Drop spoonfuls of batter into 500 ml hot oil (170 °C) and deep-fry until golden brown, puffed up, and crispy. Drain on kitchen paper.
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Akara is eaten warm for breakfast — with pap (maize porridge), Agege bread, or custard. A popular street food and breakfast dish. Crispy on the outside, airy on the inside.
📜 Origin & History
Akara are fried bean balls widely popular in Nigeria and other West African countries. They are made from pureed black-eyed peas and often seasoned with onions and spices. Akara is a popular breakfast dish and is frequently served with a spicy sauce. The preparation has African roots and reflects the culinary traditions of the region, where beans are an important food source.
🌿 Regional variants
With pap
Served with maize porridge (pap/ogi) for breakfast.
Acarajé
Brazilian version, fried in palm oil.
🍷 What goes with it?
For breakfast with pap. With Agege bread. As a snack. Warm straight from the fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is akara?
Akara are deep-fried bean fritters made from skinned, puréed black-eyed peas — seasoned with onion and chili. A West African breakfast and street food. Known as acarajé in Brazil.
Why remove the bean skins?
Removing the skins (by soaking and rubbing) gives a smooth, pale paste and more delicate akara. With the skins, they turn out darker and coarser. It takes a little effort, but it's worth it.
How do they become fluffy?
Beat the bean paste vigorously (by hand or with a mixer) — this incorporates air and makes the akara light and fluffy inside. A thick, well-aerated paste is the key.
Reviews
No reviews yetLogin to rate
LoginAll Reviews
Ingredients
verified- Bohnen200 g
- Onion1 pcs
- Paprika50 g
- Oil500 ml





