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Black-Eyed Peas (Akara)

Crisp crunchy exterior with a fluffy flavorful moist inside. This recipe can be served as an appetizer, breakfast, snack or add it as a side dish for the family.
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Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Soak Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 16 minutes
Course Appetizer, Breakfast
Cuisine West African
Servings 16 fritters

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces dried black-eyed peas
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3 cups vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Ina bowl add dried black-eyed peas and water 4 inches above peas level. Allow to sit for 20 minutes (peas will expand).
  • Add about ⅓ portion of peas at a time to the food processor, then add water 2 inches above peas level. Pulse for 1 second, 6 times.
  • Pour black-eyed peas back into the bowl and add more water. Rub a handful of black-eyed peas between your palms and fingers. Skin will float to the top of water. Use a strainer to skim the skin of water top and discard. Drain peas.
  • Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the skin removal process is complete.
  • Then add skinless black-eyed peas, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, and salt, into the food processor. Once blended, the batter will be slightly unsmooth. Then add baking powder and blend for about 30 seconds.
  • Add vegetable oil to the frying pan and place it on medium- heat. Allow the pan to heat up for about 2 minutes ( it should not be smoking).Using a tablespoon, scoop the batter into the pan.
  • Fry for 3 minutes on each side to allow for even cooking (easier to flip fritters using two forks).
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a paper-lined plate. This will allow any excess oil to be absorbed by the paper. Best enjoyed when it is hot.

Notes

  • Soaking anywhere from 8 to 12 hours peas will become shriveled which does help loosen the skin. A lengthier soak helps when removing skin by hand. Removing by hand can take up to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Soaking the beans in cool water for at least 20 minutes helps loosen the skin right before putting them in a blender or food processor. Using a blender or food processor on “pulse” mode will loosen the skin much more. Then removing by hand can take up to 50 minutes.
  • Black-eyed peas portioning within the food processor or blender allows for no overcrowding.