Akara recipe (How to make fluffy Akara Balls)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dry uncooked Black eyed peas ((cleaned, peeled and soaked for 1 -2hrs))
• 1 habanero pepper
• 1 large onion ((cut up for blending))
• 1 teaspoon Salt or bouillon ((More to taste))
• 3/4 cup of water
• 3 cups Canola Oil (( for deep frying ))

Instructions

1. 1

   Using a tray, sift through the beans to remove any dirt. Rinse beans in water then start rubbing them in between your palms to remove the skin. (See note 5 on how to do this with a blender ) When the skin is peeled and all that skins drained off, soak the beans for 1 to 2 hours.

2. 2

   Transfer the soaked beans into the blender, add the onion, pepper and 3/4 cup of water and blend till smooth.

3. 3

   Scoop batter into the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attached.

4. 4

   Add salt then whisk the batter for about 6 mins to incorporate air into the mixture.

5. 5

   While you are whisking the batter, heat up the oil for frying.

6. 6

   When the oil is hot, scoop the batter into the oil with your hand be careful not to let your fingers touch the hot oil. ( see note 4 below for how to know if the oil is hot enough) Alternatively you can scoop the batter quarter cup by quarter cup. Do not crowd the pan.

7. 7

   Fry till golden brown. Remember to flip the Akara to the other side so that the Akara balls brown evenly.

8. 8

   Transfer to a frying basket lined with kitchen paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

9. 9

   Serve and enjoy.

10. 10

    --- Serving Suggestions: ---

11. 11

    Serve Akara with pap, make a burger or sandwich with bread, enjoy with Garri or on its own. You will find detailed pairings in the blog post.