Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Black-Eyed Peas
• 1 medium Onion
• 0.5 medium Red Bell Pepper
• 0.25 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1Soak the black-eyed peas in water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
2. 2In a food processor, combine the soaked black-eyed peas, onion, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Process until you have a smooth paste.
3. 3Add salt to taste and mix well.
4. 4Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the fritters quickly without burning them.
5. 5Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small portions of the black-eyed pea mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
6. 6Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7Serve hot.

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