Akkara

Ingredients

 * 3 cups dried cowpeas
 * 1 onion, finely chopped
 * ½ teaspoon salt
 * hot chile pepper, finely chopped
 * cayenne pepper
 * ½ 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.
 * 2) Rinse to wash away the skins and any other debris.
 * 3) Drain them in a colander.
 * 4) Crush, grind, or mash the black-eyed peas into a thick paste.
 * 5) Add enough water to form a smooth, thick paste of a batter that will cling to a spoon.
 * 6) Add all other ingredients (except oil).
 * 7) Heat oil in a deep skillet.
 * 8) Make fritters by scooping up a spoon full of batter and using another spoon to quickly push it into the hot oil.
 * 9) Deep fry the fritters until they are golden brown.
 * 10) Serve with an African hot sauce or salt, as a snack.