My Akara, Gawou or Beignet haricot
Akara, Gawou, Gaou, niebe, is a popular street snack in west Africa. Click here for the recipe video. There are multiple variants. Removing the skin of the beans helps your digestion if you are sensitive to beans as some beans can trigger migraine in some people.There are some food you do not like cooking often. This way of cooking Akara is one of them. I am not a proponent of long processing before eating a simple snack. I often do not remove the skin of my beans before pureeing the. But once awhile I like doing it for the sick of having time on my hand!
Removing the skin is not very hard, there are multiple technique. I personally like dipping the dried beans in boiling water for couple minute. I will then soak them in a lukewarm water and will start rubbing them to allow the skin to peel of. This recipe is so versatile and this is one of many ways you can have this delicious snack.
Ingredients
1lb of dry black eyed-peas
1/2 medium Onion
2 jalapenos pepper
2 tablespoons of Ginger
Salt (to taste)
A pinch of MSG- free bouillon (optional)
Coconut oil for deep fry
Instructions
1
Put beans in boiled water for 2 minutes then drain.
2
Pour your drained beans in warm water.
3
Try removing the skin by rubbing beans in your hand and rinsing out the skin.
4
Once the skin is completely removed from your beans, In a food processor, puree to a paste the cleaned beans with onion, ginger and hot pepper.
5
Transfer the mixture in a mixing bowl, add bouillon and salt to taste.
6
Whip the mixture for about 7minutes or until really fluffy.
7
Heat up coconut oil in a deep fryer.
8
With a tablespoon, scoop the batter and drop it into the hot coconut oil.
9
Fry both side until golden brown.
10
Remove and serve warm.
It can be eaten as is or with porridge like your oatmeal porridge, or serve with hot sauce dip.
