Learning how to fry Akara// 2nd June, 2025.

Monday, June 2nd, 2025, was a day I decided to take on a new challenge close to my school. My mission? To learn how to prepare a delicious batch of Akara, a traditional Nigerian breakfast food made from beans. I was determined by myself to know how to prepare it from scratch, with the mentorship Mrs. Uwah who usually fry Akara close to my school.

Akara is done by carefully selecting the beans, separating them from the chaff to ensure it remains only the best quality. Next, was soaking the beans in water for a few minutes to soften them. With the beans sufficiently soaked, the water was drained and the beans was ground into a smooth paste using a blender.

Now it was time to add some flavor to the Akara mixture. Mrs. Uwah mixed in some water to achieve the right consistency, followed by a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of maggi seasoning, and some chopped onions for added flavor, she stirred very for a proper mixture.

With the mixture ready, she heated some groundnut oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil was hot, she used a spoon to drop small portions of the Akara mixture into the oil. As the Akara cooked, they began to solidify and take shape. After a few minutes, my Akara was done! she carefully removed them from the oil and placed them on a filter bowel to drain any excess oil.

The moment of truth had finally arrived. I purposely went to school very early to witness this process before school period. After the Akara was ready, I bought a piece of bread from her and paired it with a few pieces of the freshly made Akara. The combination was absolute perfection! The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the Akara complemented the soft bread beautifully.

As I savoured each bite, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. I had witnessed it! I can now successfully prepare a delicious batch of Akara all by myself. From that day on, I knew that I could conquer any recipe that came my way.

Akara is indeed a staple breakfast food in Nigeria, and it's amazing how versatile it can be. Whether you choose to enjoy it with bread, pap, or even on its own, Akara is always a treat. And now, I could proudly say that I am an Akara-making master!