Black-Eyed Pea Fritters

These amazing Black-Eyed Pea Fritters are so irresistible, and perfect for your New Year’s Eve party. Seasoned black-eyed peas are crispy on the outside and moist inside, delicious served with ranch dressing.

This is my original version of black-eyed pea fritters, I had a somewhat similar fritter called Akara when I lived in England, and it is a Nigerian fritter, also known as Accara, Bean Balls, or bean Fritas.

My version is way easier to prepare than traditional Akara, with Akara you have to soak the black-eyed peas and remove the skin. That process is way too time-consuming for me.

I have made Nigerian Moi Moi and that process of soaking the black-eyed peas and removing the skin turns me off making it. I love to be in and out of the kitchen.

My version turned out very tasty and crunchy without all that work. It is also vegan and gluten-free. Other delicious Black-Eyed Pea recipes to try are my Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Black-Eyed Peas Curry.

AS ALWAYS, I SUGGEST YOU READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE FOR USEFUL INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE BLURB. HOWEVER, YOU CAN FIND THE DETAILED RECIPE WITH EXACT INGREDIENTS AND STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS BELOW.

What Are Black-Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas or beans are a variety of cowpea in the legume family. Despite being called peas, they’re actually beans. You will recognize them by the characteristic black spot on a cream-colored bean. They are filling and have an excellent texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

Black Eyed Peas Nutritional Profile

Each serving of black-eyed peas has a healthy amount of fiber and protein, making them incredibly nutrient-dense. They also include a variety of important micronutrients, including thiamine, folate, zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium.

Here are a few potential health benefits of black-eyed peas:

Facilitate Optimum Digestion

Black-eyed peas can enhance digestion by promoting regular bowel movements because of their high levels of fiber. Those who experience occasional constipation may find this to be extremely helpful. Additionally, black-eyed peas include prebiotic fiber, which provides food for good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Boost Your Energy

One cup of cooked black-eyed peas, which are enhanced in magnesium, will supply you with more than 21% of the daily requirements.

Manganese is a potent antioxidant that protects your cells, particularly those in your energy-producing units. The protein in black-eyed peas also helps to increase your energy levels.

Support Heart Health

Eating black-eyed peas as part of a healthy diet is a great way to keep your heart strong and healthy, as they may help in reducing various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Evidence shows that frequently eating legumes may be beneficial for lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Lowering high cholesterol levels can help lessen your chance of developing heart disease.

Eating legumes on a regular basis has also been associated with decreased inflammation markers, which may help lessen the chance of heart disease.

Prevent Chronic Diseases

It contains a lot of antioxidants, including thiamine and riboflavin. Antioxidants shield the body from chronic diseases by eliminating free radicals.

Helps In Weight Loss

Black-eyed peas have more complex carbohydrates than simple carbohydrates, which digest more slowly. They may cause users to feel fuller for extended periods of time, which may aid in weight loss.

Good For Eyes And Skin Health

Vitamin A is present in black-eyed peas in good amounts. One serving of black-eyed peas provides a quarter of the daily vitamin A requirements for an adult.

Mucous membranes benefit from vitamin A’s lubrication and protection, so it is good for eye and skin health.

Ingredients Description

• Black-eyed peas: My favorite black-eyed peas are freshly cooked from dried beans. Canned beans can be used for convenience if you don’t mind the extra sodium and less fresh taste.
• Gluten-free all-purpose flour – All-purpose gluten-free flour is low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and rich in healthy fats, which makes fritters moist and crispy.
• Onion powder: Adding onion powder will give it a more savory flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning is a dried herb blend that gives these fritters a nice taste as well as an aroma.
• Baking powder: Although fritters don’t actually require much assistance with rising, a small addition of baking powder might change the texture, resulting in fluffy fritters.
• Garlic powder: You simply can’t miss the garlicky flavor!
• Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a kick to the fritters that you’ll like. If you don’t have cayenne pepper, paprika will suffice. Additionally, if you enjoy spice and heat, throw a scotch bonnet.
• Sea salt: Seasoned with salt to balance out the flavors.
• Water
• Coconut oil: Any oil can be used for frying, I like coconut oil. 

​​How To Make Black-Eyed Pea Fritters?

Add well-cooked and tender black-eyed peas to a bowl, and add all-purpose gluten-free flour, onion powder, Italian seasoning baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and water.

Mix well together to form a ball, you can use your hand or potato masher. Form into balls then press to form patties. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high, add patties, and fry for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Serve with Ranch Dressing.

Tips

• The black-eyed pea must be thoroughly rinsed and drained. The fritters could become soggy if too much moisture remains in the batter.
• Black-eyed pea fritters are prepared in two batches. Half of the oil should be used for the first batch, with the rest saved for the second.
• If the batter fails to keep together when cooking, add additional flour.
• Asian markets are a good place to find black-eyed peas, chawli, and lobia.

What To Serve With Black-Eyed Pea Fritters?

Our Black-Eyed Pea Fritters can be eaten as a standalone snack or combined with other dishes to make a full dinner.

To get you started, consider these serving suggestions:

• To keep with the Mexican theme, dip them in spicy salsa dips and guacamole.
• Brown rice, black bean fritters, and some fruit can be packed in a lunchbox.
• They go well with a salad of fresh greens, plum tomatoes, and a lemon drizzle.

​​Storing Black Eyed Peas Fritters

In the refrigerator, you may store any leftover Black Eyed Pea Fritters for about 4-5 days. However, you can store your fritters for a longer period of time and then simply reheat them before serving.

How To Freeze Fritters Of Black Eyed Peas?

• Let the fritters completely cool before freezing.
• On a baking sheet, lay them out flat in a single layer.
• Frozen till solid.
• Once they are frozen, put them in a freezer safe bag. It’s better to place them between layers of parchment paper.

If you properly seal your fritters, they will last at least 3 months.

How To Reheat Frozen Fritters?

• Thaw the fritters. You can defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat them, put them in the oven or a skillet.
• To reheat the fritters in the oven, spread them out on a baking tray and heat the oven to 400°F for roughly 10 minutes.

Chef’s Notes

This recipe is easy and requires few ingredients, but if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort you can achieve a much richer and more satisfying texture. The classic akara recipe calls for black-eyed peas with their shells still on. The peas will need to be shelled, which is a time-consuming process, but I’ve heard the results are worth it because they’re crunchier than the pre-shelled variety.

Shrimp is a key ingredient in Brazilian acaraje. If you want to add more flavor and protein to this akara recipe, consider adding some shrimp.  You’ll prepare the akara according to the recipe’s instructions, but you’ll use the fritters as a kind of “bread” to bind the shrimp, onion, chili powder, and olive oil mixture. Obviously, keep in mind that this vegetarian fritters recipe would become pescetarian if you opt to add shrimp.

Other Delicious  Recipes For Your New Year’s Eve

• Lentil Meatballs
• Tofu Meatballs
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Cauliflower Nuggets
• Vegan Cheese Bal

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Accara?

Black-eyed pea fritters, known as accara, are a common street snack in West Africa. They go by the names akara, accra, or kosai in Nigeria and Cameroon, and akla or koosé in Ghana and Sierra Leone. Depending on where you reside in the world, you may have a different name for these delicate, crispy Black-eyed pea fritters that are so difficult to resist.

You have an enormous acarajé that is split in half and loaded with fried shrimp, tomatoes, hot pepper sauce, or some other spicy mixture when you arrive in Brazil.

In some regions of West Africa, such as Nigeria, it is frequently consumed for breakfast. served with Pap or Custard. Nevertheless, certain countries, like Cameroon, eat it as a snack.

They are typically sold by ladies in marketplaces and on street corners, and each crisp bite is a treat.

What’s Akara’s History?

In the Yoruba religion and culture, a special dish called akara is made in honor of the death of a person (70 years or older). Typically, it is prepared in big quantities and given to each household near the deceased. When warriors returned from battle victorious, akara was also traditionally prepared in huge quantities as a token of victory. The villagers were to receive fried akara from the women, particularly the spouses of the warriors.

Although it originated in Nigeria, akara has spread to other locations in West Africa and even Brazil. This delectable cuisine was brought to Brazil by enslaved West Africans who had to flee their native countries. Brazilians eventually began referring to it as acaraje. One of the more widely available Brazilian vegetarian meals is the well-liked Brazilian acaraje.

Akara is typically prepared for events such as Pulnado (a celebration of a child’s birth), funerals, weddings, or parties. Regardless of the occasion, this food is a Sierra Leonean communal staple.

What Is In A Fritter?

The term “fritter” refers to a variety of fried dishes, most of which are fritters and typically contain little pieces of meat, fruit, vegetables, or dough. Plain fritters are made from yeast dough or chou paste and are deep-fried. In a different variation, small pieces of meat, fish, veggies, or fruit are battered and deep-fried.

How Do You Keep Fritters Crispy?

Using cold water to make your fritter batter can help keep them crispy. The cold batter prevents the fritters from absorbing too much oil, keeping them crispy and light.

Friends, let me know if you prepare these delicious Black-Eyed Pea Fritters! Share your thoughts in the comments. Everyone who reads your thoughts and experiences benefits, including me!