Akkra Funfun, also known as bean fritters, is a beloved street food in Benin, West Africa, and is recognized by different names in various countries. This delightful dish consists of black-eyed peas blended with onions, garlic, and chili peppers, then fried to a crispy perfection. Akkra Funfun is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Originating from the traditional culinary practices of Benin, these fritters showcase the region's use of local ingredients and time-honored cooking methods.

The history of Akkra Funfun is deeply intertwined with West African cuisine, where similar bean-based fritters are found in countries like Nigeria (Akara) and Ghana (Koose). These fritters are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, often enjoyed with various dipping sauces like tomato sauce, hot pepper sauce, or yogurt dip. 

When preparing Akkra Funfun, it’s crucial to ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior. Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to prevent the fritters from sticking together or becoming too oily. Draining the fritters on a paper towel after frying helps remove excess oil, making them lighter and healthier.

Overall, Akkra Funfun Bean Fritters are a simple, tasty, and healthy option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet while exploring the rich culinary traditions of Benin. They are a testament to the vibrant and diverse flavors of West African cuisine and are sure to delight anyone who tries them.

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups of black-eyed peas

2- 1 large onion, finely chopped

3- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced

4- 2-3 green chili peppers, finely chopped

5- 1 teaspoon of salt

6- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

7- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1- Soak the black-eyed peas in water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse the peas and put them in a blender or food processor. Add a little water and blend until you get a smooth, thick paste.

2- Transfer the paste to a large bowl and add the chopped onions, minced garlic, finely chopped chili peppers, salt, and baking powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

4- Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

5- Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping them occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides.

6- Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.

7- Serve the Akkra Funfun Bean Fritters hot with a side of tomato sauce, salsa, or hot pepper sauce.

Note:

1- You can adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your preference for spiciness.

2- If the mixture is too thin, add some flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

3- To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable oil for frying.

Nutrition Value:

1. Black-Eyed Peas (2 cups):

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 20g
• Fat: 1g
• Iron: 10mg
• Calcium: 210mg
• Vitamin C: 8mg

benefits:

• Rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Good source of protein, particularly for vegetarians and vegans.
• Contains iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells.
• High in folate, which is essential for cell division and DNA synthesis.

2. Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Vitamin A: 0.5mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help combat inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Contains compounds that may help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

3. Garlic (2-3 cloves):

• Calories: 10-15
• Protein: 0.5-1g
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g
• Fiber: 0-0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 1-2mg

benefits:

• Has antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

4. Green Chili Peppers (2-3 peppers):

• Calories: 10-15
• Protein: 0.5-1g
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g
• Fiber: 1-1.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Vitamin C: 30-45mg

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite and increase fat burning.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Sodium: 2300mg

benefits:

• Necessary for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
• Essential for nerve function and muscle contraction.

6. Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Used as a leavening agent in baking to help dough rise and become light and fluffy.

7. Vegetable Oil (for frying, amount not specified):

• Calories: 120-240 (for 1-2 tablespoons)
• Fat: 14-28g
• Vitamin E: 1-2mg

benefits:

• Contains healthy fats that are important for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brand and type of ingredients used.

Akkra Funfun Bean Fritters are a delicious and nutritious snack that is low in fat, high in protein, and rich in fiber. They are perfect for vegetarians and vegans looking for a healthy and satisfying snack that is easy to make and can be enjoyed any time of the day.