How to Make Akara for Kwanzaa

Black-eyed pea fritters

Akara is the name given to a fritter made out of black-eyed peas, and which are a popular snack in different parts of Africa, especially Nigeria. It is often used as an appetizer here in the United States during special celebratory meals, such as the elaborate dinners that usually accompany the celebration of Kwanzaa.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 tsp. of salt, or to taste
• 2 cups of the cooking oil of your choice
• 1/2 cup of warm water
• Paper towels
• 1 cup of grated or finely chopped onion
• 1/2 tsp. of black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of chili powder
• Deep fryer or deep heavy skillet
• Bowl
• Ice cream scoop or melon baller
• 1 large egg
• Food processor or blender
• About 2 cups of black-eyed peas that have been checked for stones
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped cooked meat or seafood (optional)

Instructions

Make Akara For Kwanzaa

1. Put black-eyed peas in a large pot, cover with water and soak them overnight.

2. Drain the beans in a colander. Remove the skins by rubbing the beans between your hands. When all skins are removed, rinse again to get rid of all residual skin and drain.

3. Place the peas into a food processor or blender and grind them until they form a a thick paste (this should stick to a spoon), adding water as necessary. You can make this paste and then refrigerate and use within the next day or so.

4. Empty the paste into a bowl and whisk for approximately 5 minutes until the paste is aerated.

5. Add the chili powder, salt, pepper and egg and beat until smooth, then fold in the onions.

6. Heat up the oil in a deep fryer or skillet. It should be very hot, but not smoking.

7. Use your scoop and make balls of the mixture and place a few in the oil. Keeping the size uniform will insure that they finish cooking at the same time.

8. Fry until each akara is nice and brown, then remove from oil and drain on paper towel.

9. Repeat until you have used up all of the mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a dip for your akara by blending up store bought salsa or serve with a simple hot sauce.

• If your fritters don't seem to want to stay together, add a small amount of bread crumbs or cornmeal to thicken the mixture.

• Although akara is fairly simple to make, it takes about 2 days to complete because the black eyed peas should be soaked over night. Consider this when you plan your Kwanzaa celebration.