Appetizers
Accra (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Ingredients
- - Dried black-eyed peas, peeled -- 300 g (1 3/4 cups)
- - Onion, finely chopped -- 1 small (1 small)
- - Scotch bonnet pepper, minced -- 1/2 (1/2)
- - Salt -- 1 tsp (1 tsp)
- - Water -- 100 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
- - Vegetable oil (for frying) -- 500 ml (2 cups)
Method
- Soak peeled black-eyed peas for 3 hours, then drain.
- Blend with water into a thick, smooth, fluffy batter — it should hold a soft peak.
- Fold in onion, pepper and salt by hand to keep air in the batter.
- Heat oil in a pan to 175°C (350°F).
- Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of batter into the oil and fry for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towel and serve immediately while hot.
Introduction: Accra are small, spiced fritters made from a smooth black-eyed pea batter, fried until golden and served hot as a starter or snack.
Cultural Background: Accra are small, spiced fritters made from a smooth black-eyed pea batter, fried until golden and served hot as a starter or snack. Found along Cameroon's coastal towns, they reflect a shared coastal West and Central African tradition of bean-fritter street food, sold from sizzling pans by vendors calling out to passers-by.
Tips: Whipping the batter well (by hand or with a mixer) incorporates air for a lighter fritter. Serve immediately — accra loses its crisp texture quickly once cooled.
Variations: Add small dried shrimp to the batter for a coastal-style version. Serve with a side of pepper sauce for dipping. Naturally vegetarian and vegan as written.
Storage: Best eaten fresh; leftovers keep refrigerated for 1 day.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot dry pan for 2 minutes per side to re-crisp.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Carbs: 14 g | Fat: 7 g | Fiber: 3 g
FAQs:
Q: Why did my accra turn out dense?
A: The batter likely wasn’t whipped enough to add air — a fluffy batter is key to a light fritter.
Q: Can I use canned beans?
A: Dried, soaked and peeled beans give the correct fluffy texture; canned beans tend to be too wet.