Hi Blurtians,
This is my entry post to the 69th edition of the @blurtcomnect-ng favourite food contest. You can check out the link to the contest.
My favorite food for this contest post is one of the Nigeria local food popularly known as "Akara & Akamu" (Beans cake and Pap).
PROCESS OF PREPARING BEANS CAKE
Akara Recipe: Authentic Nigerian Bean Cakes
Step 1: Ingredients
Gather your ingredients: 5 cups of beans, 1 medium-sized onion, 1-2 hot peppers, Maggie , salt to taste, and vegetable oil for frying.
Step 2: Preparation
Soak the beans in water for 20 minutes . Pound in mortal for easy remover of the body and chop the onion, and deseed the hot peppers.
Step 3: Blending
In a blender, combine the soaked beans, chopped onion, and hot peppers. Blend until you get a smooth batter. Add a little water if needed to aid blending.
Step 4: Mixing
Pour the batter into a bowl and stir vigorously in one direction for about 5 minutes. This step helps incorporate air and makes the akara fluffy.
Step 5: Seasoning
Add salt to taste and continue stirring. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. This is where the magic of flavor begins!
Step 6: Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. When the oil is hot, scoop a spoonful of the batter and carefully drop it into the oil. Fry until golden brown, turning to cook evenly.
Step 7: Draining
Remove the golden akara from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the batter is used.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your authentic Nigerian akara is ready to be served! Enjoy it with a side of spicy pepper sauce or your favorite dip.
Pro tip: Akara is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the frying pan to your plate. Now, savor the deliciousness of this classic Nigerian street food! 🇳🇬🍽️
PROCESS OF PREPARING AKAMU/OGI
Akamu Recipe: Crafting the Perfect Nigerian Pap
Step 1: Ingredients
Gather your essentials: 1 cup of fermented cornstarch (ogi or akamu), water, and sugar or sweetener to taste. Optional toppings include evaporated milk or coconut milk.
Step 2: Cornstarch Preparation
In a bowl, mix the fermented cornstarch with a bit of water to form a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps; a silky consistency is the key to a velvety pap.
Step 3: Boiling Water
In a pot, bring water to a boil. The amount of water depends on your desired pap thickness. Remember, you can always adjust later.
Step 4: Cornstarch Infusion
Gradually add the cornstarch paste to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Step 5: Simmering and Sweetening
Reduce the heat and let the pap simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to taste, enhancing the flavor to your liking.
Step 6: Taste Test
Take a moment to savor your creation. Adjust the sweetness or thickness if necessary, ensuring it aligns with your taste preferences.
Step 7: Presentation
Pour the pap into serving bowls. For an extra touch, drizzle with evaporated milk or coconut milk. This adds a delightful creaminess to your pap.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Akamu is best enjoyed warm. Whether you're starting your day or looking for a comforting snack, indulge in the heartiness of this Nigerian classic.
Pro tip: Experiment with toppings like sliced fruits, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personalized twist to your delightful bowl of pap. 🌽🥣✨
Watch the video short below