Akara is a popular street snack in Nigeria served mostly as breakfast, with either custard or sauce. It is very popular in Nigerian/Yoruba cuisine but can be found in other Yoruba-speaking parts of the world such as Brazil.

For calorie-counters, this variation of the local Akara helps to reduce the amount of oil used in frying but leaves the classic taste.

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cooking method: Frying

Recipe yield: Serves 2-3 people

Nutritional value: Rich in protein

Ingredients

2 cups of bean flour (bean paste)

Red onions (chopped)

Ground/chopped Fresh pepper (to taste)

2 eggs (egg whites if particular about diet) (optional if using bean paste)

Ground crayfish

Salt (to taste)

Half cup of water

Seasoning cube

Oil

Instructions

1. Add the bean flour to a bowl, add water, add eggs, onion, crayfish, seasoning cube, salt, pepper and whisk for 5 minutes.

2. Heat a clean pan and add a bit of oil to grease it.

3. Scoop in your bean flour mixture as one would do when making pancakes.

4. On low to medium heat, allow to fry till brown underneath, then flip and cook till that side is done also.

5. When the desired "brownness" is achieved, set aside and start another batch.

Your Akara pancakes can be served with custard, pap, or stew!