Gluten-Free Akara Fritters with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Black-Eyed Peas
• 0.5 cup Rice Flour
• 0.5 medium Onion
• 0.25 Scotch Bonnet Pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil
• 1 medium Tomato
• 0.25 Habanero Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 cup of dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl. Cover them with water, ensuring the peas are fully submerged by at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). Allow the black-eyed peas to soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until they have softened and expanded.
2. 2Drain and thoroughly rinse the soaked 1 cup of black-eyed peas. Transfer the rinsed peas to a food processor. Process the peas for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until a smooth, thick paste forms.
3. 3Peel and finely dice the 0.5 medium onion into 1/8-inch (3 mm) pieces. Carefully remove the stem and seeds from the 0.25 Scotch Bonnet pepper, then finely chop it. Add the 0.5 cup rice flour, the diced 0.5 medium onion, the chopped 0.25 Scotch Bonnet pepper, and the 0.5 teaspoon salt to the food processor with the pea paste. Pulse for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is light and airy.
4. 4Pour the 2 cups of vegetable oil into a 2-quart (1.9 L) deep skillet or a medium heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to verify the temperature before proceeding.
5. 5Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully drop spoonfuls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) of the Akara batter into the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Fry the fritters for 3-5 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. 6Roughly chop the 1 medium tomato. Carefully remove the stem and seeds from the 0.25 Habanero pepper, then roughly chop it. Place the chopped 1 medium tomato and chopped 0.25 Habanero pepper into a blender. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth. Pour the blended mixture into a small bowl and stir in the 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
7. 7Serve the Akara fritters immediately while hot, alongside the spicy dipping sauce.

Substitutions

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