Akara: Black-Eyed Peas Fritters
Our Akara Burger is made with Black-Eyed Peas, Garlic, Onion, and Smoked Pepper and Garnished with Pickle Cabbage on a Pretzel Bun.
The Heart of Akara
Akara (as it is known in southwest and southeast Nigeria) is a recipe taken to Brazil by the enslaved peoples from the West African coast. It is called "akara" by the Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria and by the citizens of Sierra Leone, "kosai" by the Hausa people of Nigeria or "koose" in Ghana and is a popular breakfast dish, eaten with millet or corn pudding. In Nigeria, Akara is commonly eaten with bread, ogi (or eko), a type of cornmeal made with fine corn flour.
Akara plays a significant role in the Yoruba culture, as it was specially prepared when a person who has come of age (70 and above) dies. It was usually fried in large quantities and distributed across every household close to the deceased. Akara also used to be prepared in large as a sign of victory, when warriors came back victorious from war. The women, especially the wives of the Warriors were to fry Akara and distribute it to the villagers.
In Sierra Leone, Akara is composed of rice flour, mashed banana, baking powder, and sugar. After being mixed together, it is dropped in oil by hand and fried, similar to Puff-puff. It is then formed into a ball. Akara is usually prepared for events like Pulnado (event held due to the birth of a child), a wedding, funeral, or party. No matter how big the occasion, this item is a classic in the Sierra Leonean community.
You can find Akara in our Sweet Pepper Salad and Mango Curry Sauce and our Akara Burger, made with Black-Eyed Peas, Garlic, Onion, and Smoked Pepper and Garnished with Pickle Cabbage on a Pretzel Bun.
We take all of the hard work out of this wondrous delicacy. With a little bit of heat, this vegan delight can take you all the way. Feel good about sustenance.
If you’re in Detroit or Cleveland looking for Afro-Caribbean cuisine with plenty of Vegan, Gluten-Free options, make sure you stop in to Yumvillage and try Chef Godwin’s recipes.