Binch Akara (Zambia)

World-Bites (89) / Binch Akara

Zambia’s geographical location, an elevated plateau in south central Africa, kept it free of European and foreign influences. Because of Zambia’s isolation from the rest of the world for the greater part of its history, its cuisine has stayed very traditional. The food served in Zambia nowadays is very similar to that served 1000 years ago. Snacks are very popular in Zambia and people eat them at any time during the day. The most common snacks are fruits, but there are also some recipes for cooked snacks. Many of these snack foods are deep-fried, while the typical Zambian main-course is most likely to be stewed in a pot. Binch Akara (Bean Drops) is a traditional Zambian recipe for a classic snack of deep fried black-eyed pea balls flavored with onion.

Ingredients

500g black-eyed peas
2 tsp salt
1 small onion, very finely-chopped
500ml vegetable oil

Method:

Add the dry beans to a blender along with 240ml water. Blend for 1 minute then pour the mixture into a large bowl. Add 500ml more water and stir until the skins float to the top. Remove the skins then strain in a colander, allowing the remaining skin and eyes to flow out.

Blend the beans once more, along with the onion and pepper. Pour into a bowl and stir with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes. You should have a thick mixture which you can scoop with a tablespoon. Heat the oil in a wok and when hot begin dropping tablespoons of the bean mixture into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, drain on absorbent paper and serve along with wooden picks to pick-up the balls.