Bean cake with pepper sauce

Bean cake with pepper sauce recipe videos

Bean cake with pepper sauce, commonly known as Akara, is a beloved West African street food made from a deep-fried batter of peeled black-eyed peas, onions, and sometimes peppers. It is typically served with a spicy, tangy pepper sauce and is a popular breakfast or snack item, especially in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Akara is a good source of plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat from frying. A single serving (about 2-3 cakes) provides roughly 200-300 calories, along with fiber, iron, and B vitamins from the beans.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	650 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Iron	3.2 mg
Calcium	95 mg
Magnesium	55 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.15 mg
Folate	85 mcg

Per 2 pieces (about 180 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Akara is a staple street food often sold by vendors in the early morning, symbolizing communal eating and affordability. Nutritionally, the black-eyed pea base makes it a protein-rich option for vegetarians, and the fermentation of the beans before frying can enhance nutrient availability.