Soy-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)
Discover the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this Soy-Free Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters) recipe—an irresistible fusion of tradition and simplicity. Made from dried black-eyed peas, these crispy golden fritters are completely soy-free, making them a protein-packed, allergen-friendly option for any meal or snack. The batter is blended with aromatic onion, sweet red bell pepper, and a fiery twist of scotch bonnet pepper, creating a perfectly spiced and flavorful bite with every fritter. Crafted with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks, with step-by-step guidance to achieve flawlessly crispy textures. Perfect as a standalone snack, appetizer, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, these Akara fritters are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Nigeria.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
.jpg)
Ingredients
- 500 grams dried black-eyed peas
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 500 milliliters vegetable oil
- 120 milliliters water
Directions
Step 1
Rinse 500 grams of dried black-eyed peas under cold water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with enough water to soak for at least 1 hour to soften the skin.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the water and rub the peas between your hands to peel off the skins. Rinse and repeat until most of the skins have been removed. This may take multiple rinses.
Step 3
Once the skins are removed, drain the peas well and place them in a blender.
Step 4
Add 1 chopped medium onion, 1 chopped red bell pepper, and 1 chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the blender with the peas.
Step 5
Add 120 milliliters of water and blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth paste. You may need to blend in batches depending on the size of your blender.
Step 6
Transfer the batter to a large mixing bowl and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning.
Step 7
In a large, deep pan, heat 500 milliliters of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry but not smoking.
Step 8
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the bean batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 9
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 10
Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 11
Serve the akara while warm as an appetizer or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1340.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4702.2 |
| Total Fat 477.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 68.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 298.2g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3472.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 114.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 34.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.8g | |
| Protein 38.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 151.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1736mg | 0% |
Source of Calories