Low Sodium Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)

Discover the vibrant flavors of Nigeria with this Low Sodium Nigerian Akara recipe, a healthier twist on traditional bean fritters! Made with nutrient-rich black-eyed peas, aromatic red bell pepper, onions, and a touch of heat from habanero pepper, these fritters are a protein-packed, guilt-free delight. By eliminating added salt and relying on natural spices like garlic and ground black pepper, this dish balances bold flavors without compromising heart health. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these golden fritters are fried to perfection and make a versatile addition to your meal—whether served as a savory snack, a breakfast staple, or alongside a dipping sauce. Ready in under 90 minutes, these Akara are a wholesome way to enjoy authentic Nigerian cuisine with a low-sodium twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Black-eyed peas
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 1 small Onion
• 0.5 piece Habanero pepper
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup Water
• 1 cup Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the black-eyed peas for at least 6 hours or overnight. This softens the skins and makes them easier to remove.

Step 2

After the soaking period, rub the soaked peas between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse and repeat until most of the skins are removed.

Step 3

Drain the skinned peas and transfer them to a blender.

Step 4

Add the red bell pepper, onion, habanero pepper, and garlic cloves to the blender.

Step 5

Pour a quarter cup of water into the blender and blend the mixture until smooth. The consistency should be thick and creamy.

Step 6

Transfer the blended mixture to a large bowl. Add ground black pepper and stir to incorporate evenly.

Step 7

In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This is the optimal temperature for frying.

Step 8

Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 9

Fry the bean fritters until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the fritters and drain them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the Akara warm, paired with a side of sauce or as part of a traditional Nigerian breakfast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(692.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2088.2

Total Fat 210.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 16.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 16.1g
Protein 16.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 97.5mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 1212.0mg	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: 86.6%

Protein: 3.0%

Carbs: 10.4%