Akkara

Ingredients

 * 3 cups dried cowpeas
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
 * hot chile pepper, finely chopped
 * cayenne pepper
 * 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
 * peanut oil

Directions

 * 1) Clean the black-eyed peas in running water and soak them in water for at least a few hours or overnight. Rinse to wash away the skins and any other debris. Drain them in a colander.
 * 2) Crush, grind, or mash the black-eyed peas into a thick paste. Add enough water to form a smooth, thick paste of a batter that will cling to a spoon.
 * 3) Add all other ingredients (except oil).
 * 4) Heat oil in a deep skillet.
 * 5) Make fritters by scooping up a spoon full of batter and using another spoon to quickly push it into the hot oil.
 * 6) Deep fry the fritters until they are golden brown.
 * 7) Serve with an African Hot Sauce or salt, as a snack.