Nut-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)

Discover the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this Nut-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters) recipe—a delightful twist on a beloved classic! Featuring protein-packed black-eyed peas, zesty Scotch bonnet pepper, and sweet red bell pepper, these fritters are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and completely free of nuts. The process includes soaking the beans, blending them into a smooth paste, and frying them to golden perfection, resulting in a snack or breakfast option that's both hearty and flavorful. Perfectly seasoned with a touch of salt and paired with your choice of pap (fermented corn pudding) or spicy hot sauce, this nut-free take on Nigerian akara is both accessible and authentic. Ideal for anyone looking to enjoy traditional Nigerian cuisine without allergens, it's a must-try dish that brings bold taste to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried black-eyed peas
• 1 Medium onion
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Water
• 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the dried black-eyed peas in water for about 12-24 hours. After soaking, rub the beans between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse and repeat until most of the skins are removed and the water runs clear.

Step 2

Once the skins are removed, drain the beans. Place them into a blender or food processor.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper to the blender. Blend until you have a smooth, thick paste. You may need to add up to 1 cup of water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 4

Transfer the bean paste into a bowl and season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly incorporated.

Step 5

In a large frying pan, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 2 inches deep.

Step 6

To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of the bean mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Step 7

Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop small portions of the bean mixture into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Fry the akara for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove the fried akara from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 10

Serve warm as a delicious breakfast or snack with a side of pap (fermented corn pudding) or hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1328.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4753.3

Total Fat 499.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3189.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.7g	0%
Total Sugars 20.8g
Protein 29.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 128.3mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 1400.6mg	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: 90.4%

Protein: 2.3%

Carbs: 7.2%