Dairy-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)

Enjoy a taste of West Africa with this irresistible recipe for Dairy-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)! These golden, crispy fritters are made from nutrient-rich black-eyed peas blended with vibrant red bell peppers, onions, and just a touch of scotch bonnet pepper for a subtle kick. Naturally dairy-free and entirely plant-based, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful gluten-free snack, appetizer, or breakfast dish. The secret to their airy texture lies in whipping the bean batter, creating fritters that are delightfully light yet satisfyingly crisp. Serve these fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce or simply enjoy their bold, savory flavor on their own. Ready in just over an hour, they’re an easy way to bring authentic Nigerian street food into your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 1 medium, chopped red bell pepper
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 1 small, deseeded and chopped scotch bonnet pepper
• 2 large, chopped garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 cups sunflower oil

Directions

Step 1

Place the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak for 5 hours or overnight to soften them.

Step 2

Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and remove the skins by rubbing the beans between your palms. Rinse and drain again to remove the skins completely.

Step 3

In a blender, combine the peeled black-eyed peas, chopped red bell pepper, onion, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup of water.

Step 4

Blend the mixture to a smooth thick paste, adding a little more water if necessary to aid blending, but be cautious not to make it too watery.

Step 5

Transfer the blended mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and baking powder and stir well to incorporate air into the mixture, which helps make the fritters fluffy.

Step 6

Heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).

Step 7

Carefully drop tablespoon-sized portions of the bean mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 8

Fry the akara fritters for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 10

Serve hot as a breakfast dish or appetizer, accompanied by a dipping sauce of choice or simply enjoy them as is.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1239.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4704.1

Total Fat 474.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 50.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 304.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3637.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 100.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.4g	0%
Total Sugars 23.2g
Protein 30.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 154.1mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1536.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 89.1%

Protein: 2.6%

Carbs: 8.4%