Nigerian Akara
Nigerian Akara is a popular West African street food made from a batter of fresh, immature black-eyed peas (or similar legumes), onions, and peppers, which is deep-fried into golden, savory fritters. It's a beloved breakfast item and snack, often enjoyed with bread or a spicy pepper sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Akara is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from the legumes, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates. A typical serving of two medium fritters provides roughly 200-250 calories, with the majority of the fat content coming from the frying oil.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 80 mg |
| Folate | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Zinc | 2.0 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Akara is a cornerstone of Nigerian breakfast culture and street food economy, often sold by women vendors. Nutritionally, using fresh, immature seeds (instead of dried) can result in a slightly softer texture and a milder, less beany flavor, making it a palatable way to consume legumes.
