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.
