Akara or Bean Balls – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Traditional West African-Inspired Heritage Favorite

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Akara, also known as Bean Balls, is a beloved dish with deep roots in West African cuisine. Brought to the Americas through the African diaspora, akara has remained an enduring part of African American food traditions, particularly in Southern communities where recipes evolved while preserving their cultural heritage.

Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this Heritage Recipe pairs golden-fried black-eyed pea fritters with a rich homemade red pepper sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, Akara is a flavorful reminder of the enduring connections between African and African American culinary traditions.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

Bean Balls

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas or white beans
• Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil for deep frying
• 1 onion
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Dash cayenne pepper

Red Pepper Sauce

• ¼ cup Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 or 4 medium tomatoes, fresh or 1 can (14½ ounces)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
• Salt

Makes: 10 to 12 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bean Balls

1. Soak the dried black-eyed peas (or white beans) for several hours or overnight until the skins loosen. Drain, remove the skins, and rinse well.
2. Heat 2 to 3 inches of Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil to 365°F in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan.
3. Purée the peeled beans in a food processor or blender, adding just enough water to create a smooth paste.
4. Grate the onion and stir it into the bean mixture along with the beaten egg, salt, and cayenne pepper.
5. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil, frying a few at a time until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with the red pepper sauce.

Red Pepper Sauce

1. Heat the Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened.
2. Add the tomatoes and simmer until thick and well blended.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little hot water or tomato juice until it reaches the desired consistency.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Removing the bean skins creates a lighter, fluffier texture that’s traditional for authentic akara.
• Keep the oil at 365°F for crisp, evenly cooked fritters.
• Blend the beans with only enough water to form a thick batter—too much liquid can make the fritters difficult to fry.
• Serve with hot pepper sauce, spicy tomato sauce, or garlic aioli for additional flavor.
• Akara also makes a delicious breakfast served alongside fresh fruit or eggs.

About the Heritage Recipe

Akara is one of the oldest surviving culinary traditions shared between West Africa and the African diaspora. Known by various names across Africa and the Caribbean, these fried bean fritters have been enjoyed for centuries and remain a symbol of cultural resilience and shared heritage. Its inclusion as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook celebrates these enduring culinary connections and honors the generations who preserved them.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional favorites, and family dishes that celebrate the rich culinary legacy of African American communities.