Akara (Bean Fritters)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Black-Eyed Peas
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 1/4 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 cup of black-eyed peas in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2Drain and rinse the soaked 1 cup of black-eyed peas. Add the drained peas to a blender along with the 1/2 medium onion and the 1/4 small scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. 3Stir the 1/2 tsp of salt into the blended pea mixture. Measure out the 2 cups of vegetable oil and pour it into a deep pot or fryer. Heat the 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. 4Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of the pea batter into the hot 350°F (175°C) vegetable oil. Fry the fritters for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon. This should result in a crispy exterior.
5. 5Use a slotted spoon to remove the golden brown fritters from the hot oil. Place the removed fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the Akara fritters warm.

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