We sometimes spin the globe with our kids to determine what we’re making for dinner. It makes them very excited to try out new, foreign foods. The latest spin of the globe landed in Benin. Where in the world is Benin? Turns out that its in Western Africa, between Togo and Nigeria, and we were happy to find some really interesting dishes to try. We started out with this dish called Akkra Funfun. How great is that name! They are delicious little white bean fritters that you pan fry in peanut oil (mixed with red palm oil if you have it). Kids loved this one.
Ingredients
2 cups dried cannellini beans
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
peanut oil or red palm oil for frying (traditionally a 2:1 mixture is used)
Preparation:
Cover beans in pot by 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then turn off heat and let sit for 1 hour. Then change out water, add salt to water and bring to boil again, turn down heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the beans are soft but not mushy. Drain beans, and place beans, water and salt in food processor. Blend until a thick paste is formed, but don’t over blend. Add onions and cayenne power and taste for seasoning. Add more salt if needed
Heat oil in non-stick pan. Using a tablespoon, spoon patties of bean mixture into hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown, then flip carefully and fry the other side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Serve hot.
Related Recipe:
Boulets de Poulet avec Sauce Rouge (Chicken Meatballs with Red Sauce)
