HOW TO MAKE AKARA!

Akara is a popular Nigerian food made from beans. The beans is peeled, washed, blended, mixed with a few spices and deep fried. Akara can also be called Bean Cakes\Bean Balls and in some parts of Brazil and other parts of West Africa it is called Acarajé. I know, I know...Akara does not need any introduction, but I have come to the realisation that Nigerians are not the only ones who check out my recipes, hence, the description.

INGREDIENTS

2 ​cups peeled beans

2 habanero pepper (Ata rodo) – chopped

Half a bulb of Chopped Onion

1 tbs Ground Crayfish (Optional)

1 tsp Salt 

300 ml ​Vegetable Oil

​PREPARATION​

• Peel beans by washing in water then placing in a blender, add 2 cups of water and pulse for about 5 minutes. All of the skin should easily come off. Wash and drain till you get rid of most of the skin. 
• Place peeled beans back in the blender, add 1 cup of water and blend till smooth. 
• Pour in a bowl, then add chopped pepper, chopped onion, ground crayfish, salt. Combine properly. 
• Heat oil in a deep pan for 3 minutes on medium heat.
• Scoop little portions of the bean batter​ into the hot oil. Make sure the pan is not crowded. 
• Allow Akara for fry for 5 minutes on each side, then flip over when it is golden brown. 
• Take the akara balls ​out of the oil and allow to drain before serving.