Akara

Ingredients

 * 2 cups black-eyed peas
 * 1 medium red onion
 * ½ tsp red pepper, to taste
 * ½ tsp salt
 * peanut oil (preferred) or other vegetable oil for frying

Directions

 * 1) Soak peas overnight.
 * 2) Drain and pound with masher to loosen skins, floating them off in running water or spread on a board and use rolling pin to rub skins loose.
 * 3) Soak further, if necessary, until peas can be crushed.
 * 4) Grind puree in blender, adding water as needed to a smooth consistency (like pancake batter).
 * 5) Grind very finely onion and peppers, if fresh, and add to beans in blender.
 * 6) Heat oil to 350°F – 375°F in deep fryer.
 * 7) Drop mixture by teaspoonful into hot oil and fry until deep brown.
 * 8) Drain on paper towel.
 * 9) Many Africans sprinkle the fried beans with additional red pepper.
 * 10) Eat them warm.
 * 11) Use as warm snacks or as a bread substitute.