Bean Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups black-eyed peas
• 3–4 fresh scotch bonnet chili peppers
• 1 medium onion
• to taste seasoning cubes
• to taste salt
• to taste groundnut oil

Steps

1. Pick over the beans to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Soak the beans in lukewarm water for 30–40 minutes.
3. Then drain.
4. Cover the beans with water and gently rub the beans together with your hands to remove the outer skins.
5. The skins should separate and float to the water's surface.
6. Carefully scoop off the floating skins, then drain the beans.
7. To remove any leftover skin or impurities, rinse the beans under running water while swishing them around with your hands.
8. Transfer the washed beans to a blender or food processor with the chopped onions and scotch bonnet peppers.
9. Add a small amount of water to aid in blending.
10. Then blend the mixture until a smooth batter-like consistency is achieved.
11. The batter should be thick but easily pourable.
12. Pour the batter into a bowl.
13. Add salt and seasoning to taste, and mix well.
14. Place a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat and pour in enough vegetable oil for deep frying.
15. Allow the oil to heat up.
16. To shape the akara, take a spoonful of the batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil.
17. Fry the akara until golden brown and crisp, turning once or twice to ensure uniform cooking.
18. This usually takes 2–3 minutes per side.
19. Serve hot with corn pap, bread, or any other accompaniment you desire.