Akara (Nigerian Bean Fritters)

Step 1: Peel the beans

Pour 2 cups of beans into a wooden mortar and pound for a few minutes until the skins loosen.

Step 2: Wash the beans

Transfer the pounded beans into a bowl of water. Separate the beans from the peels by hand, discarding the peels. Repeat this step as many times as needed until the beans are clean.

Step 3: Soak the beans

Once properly washed, soak the beans in water for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare for blending

Chop one small red onion.

Step 5: Blend the batter

Add the soaked beans and chopped onion to a blender. Add a small amount of water if needed to help blend. Blend until smooth.

Step 6: Season the batter

Pour the blended Akara batter into a bowl. Add salt and dry pepper to taste.

Step 7: Whip the batter

Use a hand mixer to whip the Akara batter for a few minutes until it is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Heat oil

Place a frying pan on the stove and pour enough vegetable oil for deep frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.

Step 9: Fry Akara

Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls (or use your hand) of the Akara batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 10: Serve

Remove the fried Akara from the oil and serve hot, ideally with custard.

• Pounding beans in a mortar is an easy method for peeling them.

• Season Akara with just onions, salt, and pepper for a clean taste.

• Fresh peppers are preferred over dry pepper for Akara.

• Serve with Custard (as shown in the video).

• Serve with pap, bread, or stew.