Akara and Pap is a symbolic and traditional food in Nigeria and is used as a means of peace offering for the Yoruba people. Although Akara originates from the western side of Nigeria, it has also gained popularity in the eastern and northern parts of the country. It is very easy and fast to prepare and is best eaten hot. Akara is made out of beans.
To accompany Akara, we have Pap. This is made from corn (any type of corn) and can be used depending on your preference. Here, though, we will be focusing on maize (yellow corn). The processing of the corn into Pap is a long process, but we won’t go into that, we will make do with the processed form of corn which is corn flour.
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INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR AKARA BALLS
- Beans flour (1 cup, 136 grams)
- Fresh pepper (1)
- Large onion (1)
- Crayfish
- Oil (enough to fry – use unsaturated oil, such as olive oil)
- Water
- Maggi spices (3 cubes)
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR PAP (OGI)
- Corn flour (1 cup, 136 grams)
- Water (a little at room temperature for mixing, and then boiling water, around 2 cups (just under 500 ml) )
- Sugar and/or milk to taste
MATERIALS NEEDED FOR MAKING AKARA AND PAP (OGI)
- Pot
- Frying pan
- Spoon
- Bowl
- Kettle
- Cooker
HOW TO PREPARE AKARA
Note: this Akara recipe is for 2 people
- Pour 1 cup (136 grams) of beans flour into a bowl.
- Add a little water and stir continuously until it blends properly and it is neither too thick nor too watery.
- Dice the onion and add the blended pepper (amount depending on how hot you like it).
- Add a little salt for taste, and then the crayfish, and stir continuously until it is completely blended
- Put the frying pan onto the cooker and, when it is hot, pour in the oil and wait for it to become hot.
- When the oil is hot, use a round spoon to scoop the mixture, a spoonful at a time, and put it into the oil until you’ve filled the pan.
- Let it fry for 2 minutes until brown and then turn it over to fry the other side; continue until you have fried all the mixture.
Put it onto a plate – it’s ready for eating.
HOW TO PREPARE THE PAP
Note: this Pap recipe is for 2 people
- Put the corn flour (1 cup, 136 grams) into a bowl. This is just a guide; you can have more or less according to how hungry you are. Add a little water, and mix until smooth and blended, without lumps.
- Very gradually, pour boiling water into the mixed corn flour until it becomes semi-solidified.
- Add sugar and milk according to your taste, to sweeten. Now you can enjoy the Akara with the Pap.
In case you need help purchasing any of the ingredients, you can follow my Amazon links.
Note: Akara can also be taken with custard powder or bread, whichever you find easy to get and is available.