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Accra

Origin: CaribbeanPeriod: Traditional

Accra is a traditional Caribbean fritter dish, most closely associated with the culinary traditions of the French Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, and other islands of the Lesser Antilles. Classically prepared with black-eyed peas or salt cod as a base, the preparation involves seasoning with aromatics such as garlic and chopped onions, blending the mixture with water to form a batter, and then frying until golden and crisp. The dish is characterized by its light, airy interior and savory, well-seasoned flavor profile, reflecting the African culinary heritage that deeply shaped Caribbean cuisine.

Cultural Significance

Accra holds deep roots in the African diaspora food traditions brought to the Caribbean during the transatlantic slave trade, drawing direct parallels to West African bean fritter preparations such as the Yoruba akara. It remains a beloved street food and festive staple across many Caribbean islands, often served during holidays, markets, and family gatherings as a symbol of shared cultural memory and culinary resilience.

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vegetarianvegandairy-freenut-free
Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Servings4
Difficultyadvanced

Ingredients

  • (480 mL) flour
    2 cups
  • (10 mL) baking powder
    2 tsp
  • (5 mL) sugar
    1 tsp
  • (~225g) chopped shrimp
    ½ lb
  • spring onions chopped.
    2 unit
  • (60 mL) green pepper chopped
    ¼ cup
  • 1 small
  • 4 cloves
  • (5 mL) thyme
    1 tsp
  • (5 mL) parsley
    1 tsp
  • 1 unit
  • Scotch bonnet or hot pepper
    1 unit
  • black pepper and salt (really optional here) to taste
    1 unit

Method

1
Soak the black-eyed peas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours, then drain and rub them together between your hands to remove the outer skins.
480 minutes
2
Transfer the peeled black-eyed peas to a blender or food processor along with the chopped onions and garlic, then blend into a thick, smooth paste, adding water gradually as needed.
5 minutes
3
Transfer the blended paste to a large mixing bowl and season generously with salt, pepper, and any desired spices such as scotch bonnet pepper or thyme.
3 minutes
4
Beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon or whisk for several minutes to incorporate air, which will give the fritters a lighter texture.
5 minutes
5
Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
5 minutes
6
Using two spoons or a small scoop, carefully drop heaped spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
2 minutes
7
Fry the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8 minutes
8
Remove the accra from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving hot as an appetizer or snack.
2 minutes