Whole30 Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters)

Delight your taste buds with these Whole30 Nigerian Akara (Bean Fritters), a flavorful and healthy twist on a beloved West African snack. Made with protein-rich black-eyed peas, aromatic onions, sweet red bell peppers, and a spicy kick from scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, these crispy fritters are entirely grain-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 compliant. The batter comes together effortlessly in a blender, and the fritters are pan-fried in extra virgin olive oil for a golden, crunchy exterior and a tender, savory interior. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, Akara pairs beautifully with your favorite Whole30-friendly dipping sauce or as a hearty complement to soups and stews. Whether you're familiar with Nigerian cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this authentic dish offers a deliciously satisfying way to celebrate wholesome eating.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 small scotch bonnet or habanero pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0 for frying extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften.

Step 2

Once soaked, drain the black-eyed peas. Rub them between your palms to remove the skins, then rinse. Repeat until most skins are removed and the peas have a whitish appearance.

Step 3

Coarsely chop the onion and red bell pepper. Set the scotch bonnet or habanero pepper aside for later.

Step 4

In a blender or food processor, blend the peeled black-eyed peas, chopped onion, and red bell pepper with the scotch bonnet or habanero pepper until smooth. Add a little water, if necessary, to achieve a smooth but thick batter.

Step 5

Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and stir in the sea salt. Mix well.

Step 6

In a deep pan or pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking.

Step 7

Using a large spoon, carefully scoop and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.

Step 8

Fry the fritters until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 9

Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon, draining the excess oil on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 10

Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter.

Step 11

Serve the Akara warm, enjoy as a snack or pair with a sauce compliant with Whole30.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(674g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	843.2

Total Fat 40.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3148.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 95.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.0g	0%
Total Sugars 23.5g
Protein 30.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 127.8mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 1505.6mg	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: 42.2%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 43.9%