Akara or bean balls is an African speciality made of Black eyed peas. They are crunchy and are more like our Indian Kunukku's in taste.
The best part I like in this is that it does not absorb lot of oil and makes a wonderful snack esp on overcast days.
Clean and soak the peas overnight or at least 6 hours.
Rinse the peas thouroughly and rub them with your hands. You will see the skin of the peas coming out. Clean them well till the skins have been removed
Grind them well in a food processer into a thick and smooth paste. Use only sufficient amount of water, taking care not to make it runny. The consistancy should be like that of an adai, or a little thicker.
Cover and refrigerate in the fridge overnight. This step is only optional. I have seen that it tastes good either ways.
If refrigerating, bring the batter to room temperature and add the chopped onions,chillies,ginger,salt and bread crumbs
and whisk well.
Heat oil and drop spoonful of the batter into oil.
Keep the heat medium, since overheating will make the outer layer v dark but the insides will remain uncooked. Fry it on both the sides and place it in the tissue paper to remove excess oil.
Serve it with any hot sauce,chutney or plain ketchup. Goes well with all.
By Mimi on Jun 27, 2012