“Saturday Morning Delight: Savory Hausa Kosai Fritters”

A popular Saturday morning dish among the Hausa people of Nigeria is “Kosai” (also known as “Akara” in other parts of Nigeria).

Kosai are delicious black-eyed pea fritters that are commonly enjoyed with pap (a type of cornmeal porridge) or bread.

Here’s a simple recipe for Kosai:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups black-eyed peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the Black-Eyed Peas:
   • Place the black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover them with water. Soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will soften the peas and make it easier to remove the skins.
2. Remove the Skins:
   • After soaking, rub the peas between your hands to remove the skins. The skins will float to the top when you add water, making it easy to pour them off. Rinse and repeat until most of the skins are removed.
3. Blend the Mixture:
   • In a blender, combine the soaked black-eyed peas, chopped onions, and scotch bonnet pepper. Blend until you get a smooth, thick paste. You may need to add a little water to help the blending process, but be careful not to add too much.
4. Season the Batter:
   • Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well.
5. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fritters.
6. Fry the Fritters:
   • Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small amount of the batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready), scoop tablespoonfuls of the batter and carefully drop them into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.
   • Fry the fritters until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7. Drain and Serve:
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Enjoy:
   • Serve Kosai hot with a side of pap (koko) or bread. You can also enjoy them with a spicy pepper sauce or chutney.

Tips:

• Ensure the batter is thick to prevent the fritters from falling apart while frying.
• For added flavor, you can include spices like garlic, ginger, or a pinch of curry powder in the batter.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Kosai, a beloved Hausa breakfast treat!