Kosai

Kosai (KOH-sai)

Black-eyed Bean Fritters

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 243 kcal

Crispy, golden deep-fried fritters of spiced black-eyed bean batter, Niger's most popular street food, eaten for breakfast or as a snack any time.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 12.0g

Carbs 24.0g

Fat 11.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

blender deep frying pan slotted spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper-lined basket

Garnishes: yaji spice

Accompaniments: fura da nono, bread, porridge

Ingredients

2 cups black-eyed beans, soaked and peeled
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 scotch bonnet peppers
1 tsp ground ginger
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Instructions

1
Soak beans overnight, then rub between palms to remove skins. Rinse until clean.
2
Blend peeled beans with onion, scotch bonnet, and ginger until thick and smooth.
3
Whisk batter vigorously for 3 minutes to incorporate air for lightness.
4
Season with salt. Batter should be thick enough to hold shape on a spoon.
5
Heat oil to 180C. Drop spoonfuls of batter and fry until deep golden, about 5 minutes.
6
Drain on paper and serve hot with yaji spice or pepper sauce.

💡

Did You Know?

In Niamey, the sound of sizzling kosai at dawn is considered as reliable as a rooster crow for waking up the neighborhood.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

blender
deep frying pan
slotted spoon

Garnishing

yaji spice

Accompaniments

fura da nono, bread, porridge

The Story Behind Kosai

Kosai is Niger's version of the pan-West African bean fritter (akara in Yoruba). The Hausa variant emphasizes ginger and scotch bonnet for heat. It has been the breakfast of working-class Niger for centuries, sold by women at roadside stalls from before sunrise.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, street food, snack 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial Hausa tradition

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