Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Peel the beans

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

2. 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.

3. 3.Soak the beans

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

4. 4.Prepare for blending

   Chop one small red onion.

5. 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.

6. 6.Season the batter

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

7. 7.Whip the batter

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 10.Serve

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