West African Accra Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) grated cassava or yam 2 cups (250g) grated cassava or yam
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped 1 green chili pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated cassava or yam, chopped onion, bell pepper, chili pepper, and minced garlic.
2. 2.
   Add the ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a small ball or patty. Gently drop it into the hot oil.
5. 5.
   Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining mixture.
8. 8.
   Serve the Accra fritters hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cassava or yam — Make sure to grate the cassava or yam finely to achieve the desired texture. Squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the fritters from becoming too soggy.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to the fritter mixture.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper according to your preference.
• Serve the Accra fritters with a tangy dipping sauce like tamarind chutney or a spicy peanut sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• To make the fritters even crispier, you can refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before frying.
• Leftover fritters can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Accra fritters are best served hot and crispy. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an appealing presentation. Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snacking experience.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Accra fritters, serve them on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or banana leaves. This adds a touch of authenticity and enhances the visual appeal of the dish. You can also serve them in small individual bowls or on wooden skewers for a more elegant presentation.