Vegan Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)

Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, Vegan Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters) is a delightful plant-based twist on a beloved West African classic. Made from naturally gluten-free black-eyed peas, these protein-packed fritters boast bold flavors from red bell pepper, fiery Scotch bonnet, garlic, and onion. Perfectly spiced and deep-fried to golden perfection, they can be enjoyed as a savory snack, appetizer, or hearty breakfast accompaniment. This recipe emphasizes a traditionally labor-intensive peeling technique for the black-eyed peas, ensuring an ultra-smooth batter with authentic texture. Serve these irresistible fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce, salsa, or alongside warm bread for a taste of vibrant Nigerian street food at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Dried black-eyed peas
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 500 milliliters Vegetable oil
• 100 milliliters Water

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl filled with enough water to cover them completely. Let them soak for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the skins have loosened considerably.

Step 2

After soaking, drain the peas and place them in a large bowl. Rub the peas vigorously between your hands to peel off the skins. Discard the skins and rinse the peas thoroughly.

Step 3

In a blender or food processor, combine the peeled peas, chopped red bell pepper, scotch bonnet, onion, and garlic. Add 100 milliliters of water and blend until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.

Step 4

Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and season with salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. You will know the oil is ready when a small drop of the batter sizzles and rises to the surface.

Step 6

Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop dollops of the batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, to prevent the fritters from adhering to each other.

Step 7

Fry the akara in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Each batch should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 8

Once fried, remove the akara with a slotted spoon and transfer to a tray lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve the hot akara immediately with hot sauce, salsa, or as part of a larger meal with bread or custard.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1271.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4576.2

Total Fat 470.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 295.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3254.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.2g	0%
Total Sugars 24.1g
Protein 32.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 159.9mg	0%
Iron 10.5mg	0%
Potassium 1614mg	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: 88.5%

Protein: 2.8%

Carbs: 8.7%