AkaraCowpea Fritters

Name: Akara (Cowpea Fritters)
Prep time: 8 h 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Togo
Ingredients: 300 g Cowpeas Peas (soaked for 8 hours and drained); 120 g Onion (finely chopped); 8 g Garlic (crushed); 1 pcs Scotch Bonnet Chili (crushed); 8 g Salt; 200 ml Water; 600 ml Vegetable Oil

Akara are cowpea fritters found across West Africa. This Togolese-style version whips the bean batter with onion, garlic, and chili before frying.

Prep

8h 25m

Cook

20m

Serves

Regional versions

Compare how this dish changes by country.

Estimated

Nutrition

Per serving

1325kcal

Calories

Protein

139g

Fat

19g

Carbs

Estimated per serving from the base recipe. Actual nutrition may vary.

Before you start

Ingredients

Quantities update automatically when you change the serving size.

Batter

300g
Cowpeas Peas (soaked for 8 hours and drained)
120g
Onion (finely chopped)
8g
Garlic (crushed)
1pcs
Scotch Bonnet Chili (crushed)
8g
Salt
200ml
Water

Frying

600ml
Vegetable Oil

Cook through it

Method

Follow each step in order. Ingredient names are highlighted as you go.

6 steps

01
Rub the soaked cowpeas between your hands to loosen as many skins as practical, then rinse and drain.
02
Blend the cowpeas, onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet chili, salt, and water into a thick, smooth batter.
03
Beat the batter for 2 to 3 minutes to incorporate air.
04
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F).
05
Drop spoonfuls of batter into the oil without crowding the pan. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until deep golden and cooked through.
06
Drain on a rack or paper towel and serve hot.

Ratings & Reviews

No reviews yet.