There’s something special about akara, the fluffy bean fritters, crispy on the outside, soft and flavourful on the inside. Whether deep-fried, pan-fried, or served as acarajé, akara has long been a staple in Nigerian homes and street food culture.
Even though deep fried akara will always win, we all know it’s not always an option for a host of reasons including health reasons. So what if we turned akara into waffles? we take all of the flavour without all the oil. End result is a delicious and crispy Akara that satisfies your cravings and considers your waistline as well.
Why Akara Waffles?
-
You get that classic akara taste – beans, onions, pepper in a new fun shape.
-
The waffle press gives more surface area for crispy edges and a beautiful pattern.
-
They’re fun, novel, great for breakfast, snacks, or serving at gatherings.
- They are less oily than traditional deep fried akara
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peeled black-eyed peas (or unpeeled brown beans) | 2 cups (approx. 400 g) |
| Onion | ½ medium, chopped finely |
| Fresh hot pepper (e.g. ata rodo / Scotch bonnet) | 1 small, chopped (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Water (for soaking & blending) | enough to soak + blend smoothly |
| Optional: Egg | 2 large (for binding / extra softness) |
| Optional: Baking powder | ½ tsp (for a lighter waffle) |
| Oil or non-stick spray | for waffle iron |
Directions
- Start by soaking beans in water for 2-4 hrs (this step helps to soften the beans)
- Combine the beans with 1/4 cup water (only) in a blender. Puree the mixture to a smooth thick paste
- Pour the pureed beans into a bowl. Add in salt, pepper, chopped onion, egg(if using) and salt. Mix for 5 minutes with a whisk or mixer. This is to incorporate air into the batter.
- Heat up the waffle iron and brush with some oil.
- Scoop 1/3 cup of batter into the waffle iron. Leave to cook until crispy (if you have an automatic waffle iron, you might have to leave the batter in for at least 3 set. The batter should cook for at least 4 minutes)
- Repeat step 4 until all the batter is cooked
- Serve Akara waffle alone or with bread, garri, ogi(pap) or fried yam. Enjoy!!
