Akara (Bean Cakes) & Pap

Akara, also known as bean cakes, is a popular Nigerian dish made from black-eyed peas. This dish is a favorite among Nigerians and is often sold as street food, especially for breakfast or as a snack. Akara is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for a quick and healthy meal.

It is packed with protein and other essential nutrients, making it a great choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more plant-based foods to their diet. Whether you are a fan of Nigerian cuisine or just looking to try something new, Akara is definitely worth a try!

To make Akara, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of black-eyed peas
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

• Soak the black-eyed peas in water for a few hours to soften them. Drain the water and rinse the peas.
• In a blender or food processor, blend the black-eyed peas, onions, and scotch bonnet peppers until they form a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.
• Add the salt to the mixture and stir well.
• Heat up a deep pot or a frying pan with vegetable oil.
• Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out some of the bean mixture and drop it into the hot oil. Repeat this process until the pot is full, but make sure not to overcrowd it.
• Fry the bean cakes until they are golden brown, then remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve the Akara hot, and enjoy it as a snack or breakfast with a side of bread or pap (cornmeal pudding).