Suwaiba Dalhatu
Beans Cake locally known as Akara in Nigeria, Kosai by northerners, or Beans Balls is one of the Nigerian snacks that almost everyone loves to eat. It is a very popular West African snack that can go with bread, pap, custard, etc., or can be eaten alone. This article seeks to teach you how to make beans cake.
This delicacy, just like Sinasir, Wainar Fulawa, and Fankasau, is a delicious snack. Most of us in northern Nigeria grew up with this sensational, mouthwatering delight as a daily or weekly companion. It is said that beans are packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly B-vitamins.
Akara is mostly made with black-eyed beans; a legume that is known to reduce the risk of many diseases. The inside is tender and fluffy and the exterior is crunchy and crispy.
Without any further ado, let’s get started!
How to Make Beans Cake (Yadda Ake Kosai Mai Dadi)
Equipment
A big and small bowl
A frying pan
A plate or container
2 spoons
A basket
A perforated scoop.
A warmer/cooler.
What are the ingredients for akara?
2 cups of beans
2 cups of vegetables oil/red oil
1 big onion
3 pepper
Seasoning cubes
Spices
Salt (to taste)
Ginger & cloves
Procedures for Making Beans Cake
STEP 1: Spread the beans and pick out the dirt or bad beans, and then soak the beans for about 20 to 30 minutes. The removal of dirt or bad beans will make it easier for you when you are washing the beans.
STEP 2: Wash thoroughly and ensure the beans coat from the beans is removed.
STEP 3: Put the well-washed beans in a clean bowl and add the onions, pepper, ginger, and cloves. Here, ensure what you are adding is in the right proportion to the washed beans, most especially the pepper. Or else, people who do not like pepper will dislike the outcome of your Beans Cake.
STEP 4: Now, grind it until it’s very soft and smooth (batter). If you are using a blender, do not put too much water, to avoid having flat Akara.
STEP 5: Add the seasonings and spices to the batter.
STEP 6: Add the salt and sliced onion and whisk until the batter becomes airy and fluffy.
STEP 7: Place your saucepan on medium heat and add your vegetable oil. Allow the oil to be hot before you start frying.
STEP 8: Before you start frying, get another small, clean bowl and put water in it. This is to be used for dipping the spoon which you are using to fetch the batter whenever you are starting a new set of frying. It helps in preventing the batter from sticking to the spoon ensuring the desired size of Akara is achieved.
STEP 9: At the right temperature, start frying the Beans Cake by pouring it into the pan using a spoon the size of the Beans Cake you intend to have at the end of the day.
STEP 10: When you notice one side is properly fried to a golden brown, flip to the other side using a separate clean spoon and fry it until you get your desired result.
STEP 11: Remove with the perforated scoop and drain in the basket.
STEP 12: Put your Beans Cake/Akara/Kosai in a plate or food flask to keep warm.
STEP 13: Repeat the same process until all the batter is exhausted. Remember to always dip your spoon in the small clean bowl containing water before you start another set of frying. Also, always stir the batter before a new set of frying. This helps in avoiding a flat and oil-consuming Kosai.
STEP 14: Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Beans Cake (Akara/Kosai)
Akara is best served immediately after frying. Akara also known as Kosai or beans cake can be served with Pap (Koko) called ‘Koko da Kosai’ or ‘Kunu da Kosai’.
You can as well eat Kosai with sliced bread, but two slices by putting the Akara between them, and enjoy it with tea. In addition, it can also be enjoyed with Akamu and Custard. Just enjoy yourself!
Occasions to Serve Beans Cake
Beans Cake, Akara, or Kosai has no specific occasion to be served at. However, it is best served as breakfast or as dinner when you don’t feel like taking something heavy.
How to Store Beans Cake
Beans Cake (Kosai) tastes best when eaten immediately after frying. Nonetheless, you can store it in a cooler to keep warm for a few hours depending on the heat-retention capacity of the cooler.
Conversely, some store it in refrigerators. This in turn reduces the taste of the Akara drastically even if warmed using a microwave.
For me, I prefer eating mine immediately after frying.
Nutritional Benefits of Beans Cake
Beans Cake is a good source of protein (for maintaining and repairing the body), folate (which is essential for growth in general), and fibre that helps you stay long without eating.
Also, it helps in keeping your heart healthy, reduces the risk of cancer, controlling your appetite, among other health benefits.
Conclusion
As you have seen the above procedure, you are just a trial away from making your perfect Beans Cake.
Now that you know how to make beans cake (yadda ake Kosai mai dadi), when will you try making yours? And when you do, kindly share your experience with us here in the comments section below. Again, feel free to ask questions if you’re not clear.
You are always welcome to Northpad Nigeria for more local delicacies.
FAQs
What is bean cake made up?
A Beans Cake is soaked beans that have been washed to remove the beans coat. It is then ground with onions, pepper (tattashe or tattasai), seasonings, and spices to make a small amount of batter. Then fry with hot oil until golden brown colour is formed.
What is the local name for beans cake?
Beans Cake is generally called Akara in Nigeria and locally called Kosai in Northern Nigeria.
Why is my Akara flat?
Your Akara is flat when your batter is watery and not airy or fluffy.
Can I put egg in Akara?
Yes, you can. Aside from the improvement in the taste of the Akara, you get to have additional nutrients (protein) needed for your body.
How do you blend Akara beans using a blender?
The first thing is to pour your ingredients into the blender then pour a little water and start blending. This helps to avoid using excess water. After that, pour your washed beans into the blended ingredients and continue blending. Do not add too much water. This will help you get a smooth and soft batter and at the end – a fluffy Akara recipe.
What other spices are added please? Like names of the spices
You can add curry, thyme and garlic preferably, because too much of spices make the beans cake lose its natural taste.