The percentage of vegetarians in Nigeria is on the rise daily, as many want to eat clean and stay healthy. Most people also have the misconception that vegan foods are very boring and tasteless. Well, not with Vegan Akara.
We all know Akara is a food everyone loves, especially on Saturday mornings, with a bowl of hot pap/akamu. Vegan akara makes it easy for vegetarians to partake in the family meal without having to eat a separate meal.
Here’s the recipe you need to prepare the delicious snack.
ALSO READ: Are You A Vegetarian? Try Your Hands On This 7-Day Diet Plan To Get The Best Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry black-eyed peas
- 1 Scotch Bonnet or habanero pepper, deseeded and chopped (optional)
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 1 vegetable stock cube, ground (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying.
Preparation
1. Soak black-eyed beans overnight in a large pot of water. Drain and add water again to cover.
2. Peel off the bean skin. Alternatively, you can speed up the process by putting the beans in the food processor with just a little water and pulsing briefly 3 to 4 times.
3. Transfer the beans to a food processor. Add about 1/2 cup of water for every 2 cups of beans. Purée until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more water to reach the right texture. Add hot pepper and shallots and blend again.
4. Put the bean paste in a bowl and mix well. Season to taste and mix again.
5. In a large pan, heat vegetable oil to 370°F. Form balls of paste with a spoon and carefully dip them into the pan. Fry until browned evenly on all sides.
6. Place on a dish lined with paper towel. Serve hot, alone or with a dipping sauce.
Watch this video for more directions.
