African Dishes
How to Make Delicious Nigerian Akara from Scratch
Akara is a popular Nigerian snack made from ground beans. It is a delicious, nutritious and filling snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
Introduction
Akara is a popular snack in Nigeria that is made from ground beans and is revered for both its flavour and its nutritional value. This satiating snack can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and it works wonderfully as a communal offering for get-togethers with close friends and relations.
The preparation of Akara at home is a simple process that calls for only a few standard ingredients as well as some simple kitchenware. In this piece, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing this delectable snack in a step-by-step manner, so that you can eat it whenever the mood strikes you. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of peeled beans
- 1 medium onion
- 1 small scotch bonnet pepper
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon
Procedures
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Step 1: Soak and Peel the Beans
The first step in making Akara is to soak the beans for at least four hours or overnight. Soaking the beans will make them soft and easier to blend. Once the beans have been soaked, remove the skin by rubbing the beans together in a bowl of water until the skins come off.
Step 2: Blend the Beans
After peeling the beans, blend them in a blender or food processor with a little water until they form a smooth paste. Be sure to add just enough water to make the blending process easier. You can also add the scotch bonnet pepper and onion to the blender to blend together with the beans.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Transfer the blended beans to a mixing bowl and add salt to taste. Use a wooden spoon to mix the batter until it is well combined and has a smooth texture.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat it up on medium heat. You can test the temperature of the oil by dropping a little of the batter into the oil. If the oil sizzles and the batter rise to the top, then the oil is hot enough for frying.
Step 5: Form and Fry the Akara Balls
Use a spoon to scoop a small amount of the batter and drop it into the hot oil. Repeat this process until you have formed several small balls of batter in the oil. Use a slotted spoon to turn the balls over occasionally and ensure they are evenly fried. Fry until golden brown, and then remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 6: Serve
Your Akara is now ready to be served. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of pap (cornmeal porridge), bread, or garri (cassava flakes). Akara can also be served with a dip or sauce, such as pepper sauce, tomato sauce or ketchup.
Conclusion
Home preparation of Akara is a straightforward process that calls for only a few fundamental ingredients and pieces of equipment. If you follow the steps that have been outlined for you above, you will be able to make delicious, wholesome, and satisfying Akara that is suitable for any time of the day. So, there’s nothing stopping you from giving it a shot!