Akara (Bean Cake)
Akara, also known as Bean Cake, is one of those Nigerian foods that everyone loves. In Nigeria, akara is commonly enjoyed as a snack alongside bread. Alternatively, it is served for breakfast or dinner, paired with either pap or custard.
Akara (Bean Cake)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups beans (akara beans prefered)
- 1/2 cup water
- 5 scotch bonnet peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced onions
- salt
- 12 ⅔ cups vegetable oil
- 1 shombo pepper or tatashe
Instructions
How to Prepare Akara (Bean Cake):
- In a bowl add the beans and add 1/2 cup of water, and start squeezing them in the palm of your hand repeatedly to help the beans' outer skin peel off. you can add more water if necessary, but don't leave them to soak. Removing the skins should take around 10 minutes.
- Next, place the beans in a bowl and top with clean water. Leave them to soak for 45 minutes, then drain away the excess water.
- Once soaked, place the beans in a food blender (or commercial grinding mill) and blend well. Add the shombo or tatashe and blitz. Add only a tiny bit of water, as too much will make the akara settle at the bottom of the pot and not mix with the oil.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a bowl and let it rest for 1 hour. This will give the beans time to absorb the liquid and swell.
- Use a mortar and pestle (or a blender) to further smoothen out the consistency until it becomes smooth and creamy.
How to Fry Akara (Bean Cake):
- Pour the oil in a large cooking pot and heat it up well for about 3-5 minutes. Drop a bit of the bean batter in to see if it floats. When the oil is ready, scoop the batter into the oil and top with sliced pepper and onions.
- Fry the bean mixture in batches, adding a few scoops at a time so as to not overcrowd them in the pan. Cook on both sides until golden brown all over (about 5 minutes).
- Once done, remove with a slotted spoon onto a dish lined with kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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