Akara Recipe (Bean Cake)

So I have to admit that for the first time in my life this week, I made akara. I find that with cooking, I know the motions, the steps, the ingredients but most dishes I have mentally prepared and not physically. Ok I think I am getting to philosophical all on top akara lol. But yes I did have fun making it and I have been going back to the fridge morning, snack, afternoon, snack and night and pacing myself to finish it. I mean it would just be easier to sit with the bowl and finish everything but what would I have to look forward to? Anyhow, the point is it was amazing. I made a few mistakes but I was able to rectify it quickly once I saw what the problem was. My mistake was adding to much water to the beans when blending but i quickly rectified that by patiently scooping out some of the water by using a spoon to press on the mixture till water drains into the spoon. The key to light, fluffy akara is the water measurement. You are meant to blend the beans to a paste not a full mixture. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did. *runs back to the fridge to steal another piece*

Recipe for Akara

Ingredient

2 cups of beans (use black eyed peas for best results)

1 small bulb of chopped onions

2-3 chopped small scotch bonnet peppers

Shrimps (optional- you can include any protein of your choice)

Vegetable Oil for frying

Seasoning

Salt

Method

Wash and Soak your beans overnight in a bowl of water.

Wash the beans till the skin has peeled off.

Blend the beans with a little water till it forms a paste.

Pour your paste in a bowl and with a wooden spoon, whisk the paste till the mixture is light and fluffy

Add your seasoning, salt, chopped shrimps, chopped onions and pepper. (You can also choose to blend the onion and pepper and mix it in.)

Heat oil till moderately hot,scoop paste with a spoon and drop immediately.

Fry till golden brown and serve with Bread, Custard, Pap, or Garri.