To prepare Akara, these delicious Nigerian bean fritters, here is the complete recipe for 4 people.
Ingredients
- 400 g of Cornille beans (black eyes)
- 1 onion
- 1 chili pepper (of your choice, according to taste)
- 20 cl of water (adjust according to consistency)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
Necessary utensils
- A large bowl for soaking the beans
- A blender or food processor
- A deep pan for frying
- A tablespoon to form the donuts
- A spatula to turn the donuts
- Absorbent paper for draining
Preparation time
- Soaking time: 2 hours minimum (ideally overnight)
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Preparation steps
1. Soak the beans: Place the Cornille beans in a large bowl of water and let them soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight to make peeling easier.
2. Peel the beans: Once soaked, rub the beans between your hands to loosen the skin. Rinse several times until all the skin is removed.
3. Blend the paste: In a blender, add the peeled beans, chopped onion, and chili pepper. Gradually add the water while blending until you get a smooth, frothy paste. Season with salt.
4. Heat the oil: In a deep saucepan, heat enough oil over medium heat until hot.
5. Shape and fry the doughnuts: Using a tablespoon, drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry each portion for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Drain: Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Preparation tips
- For an even lighter texture, make sure the batter remains creamy. If it's too runny, add a little more beans or blend for a shorter time.
- You can add a crumbled stock cube to the dough for extra flavor.
- Serve the Akara hot with a spicy tomato sauce or as a side dish with fried yams for a complete meal.
Nutritional values (per 1 serving, or 1/4 of the recipe)
Nutrient | Quantity per serving | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 385 kcal | 19% |
Lipids | 15 g | 23% |
Saturated fat | 2 g | 10% |
Carbohydrates | 47 g | 16% |
Fibers | 12 g | 48% |
Sugars | 3 g | 6% |
Proteins | 20 g | 40% |
Sodium | 600 mg | 25% |
Potassium | 750 mg | 21% |
Iron | 4 mg | 22% |
Calcium | 60 mg | 6% |
Vitamin C | 10 mg | 11% |
Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg | 15% |
Magnesium | 100 mg | 25% |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on preparation method and exact ingredients used. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
These Akara are perfect for a tasty and nutritious breakfast or snack! Enjoy your food ! 🧡