Akara African

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Recipe from the food network. states that this is a traditional nigerian dinner. you have to plan ahead (to soak the beans), but otherwise it comes together quite quickly. and it's vegetarian to boot!!

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Steps

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Soak peas overnight in lots of water.

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Drain.

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Peel the outside skin from the peas.

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In a processor , pulse the 1 onion and red pepper to coarsely chop.

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Add soaked peas and puree to a paste.

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Transfer to a bowl and using a whisk , whisk the mixture adding salt , white pepper and just a little soaking liquid -- not too much as the mixture needs to retain its shape for frying.

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Using an ice cream scoop , form into balls about the size of a ping-pong ball.

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Drop into a pot of hot olive oil , heated to 360 degrees f.

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Fry until golden brown.

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Remove to paper towel-lined plate.

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Season again with salt and pepper.

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Make a quick dipping sauce by pulsing 2 seeded tomatoes , 1 onion , 1 green pepper and some parsley in food processor.

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Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

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It should be a little chunky , but smooth enough to stick to the fried akara.

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Ingredients

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dried black-eyed peas, onions, red pepper, salt, white pepper, olive oil, tomatoes, green pepper, fresh parsley leaves