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Nigerian Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili Sauce

Nigerian Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili Sauce

Looking for something different to make with black-eyed peas, I consulted my valued copy of World Vegetarian Classics by Celia Brooks Brown. Once again, I was attracted to the two chapters devoted to African recipes. These simple fried black-eyed pea patties are Nigerian in origin and are served with "pilipili", which essentially means chili sauce. The author suggests using canned beans, as the traditional preparation involves rubbing the skins off. I decided to use dried beans, neglected to rub off the skins, adjusted the measurements slightly and came up with pea patties instead of the smaller cakes featured in the book. The earthy and nutty taste of the black-eyed peas really comes out here, and is perfectly complemented by the vibrant chili sauce.

I served these for dinner along with rice and green lentils in coconut milk to incorporate the essential grain component of the meal.

Nigerian Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili SauceNigerian Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili Sauce
Recipe by
Adapted from World Vegetarian Classics: Over 200 Essential International Recipes for the Modern Kitchen
Cuisine: Nigerian
Published on November 11, 2008

Simple, earthy and nutty black-eyed pea patties served with a fresh, vibrant, colorful and spicy red pepper and chili sauce

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Patties:
  • 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (3 cups cooked or 2 14 oz cans)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 to 2 fresh green chilies, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup unbleached white flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • oil for frying
Sauce:
  • 2 red bell peppers, seeded and halved
  • 2 fresh green chilies, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
  • juice from 1 small lemon (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
  • Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak for 6 hours or overnight in several inches of water. Drain and rinse, the transfer to a medium saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 40 to 60 minutes or until the peas are soft. Drain and transfer to a food processor.

  • Pulse the peas, adding warm water a tablespoon at a time until you get a smooth paste that has a consistency much like a thick cake batter. Add the onion, chilies, salt, eggs, flour and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

  • Heat a shallow pool of oil In a large non-stick pan over medium heat. When hot, drop in heaped tablespoons of the pea batter and fry until golden on each side. Drain on paper towels.

  • To make the pilipili sauce, put the bell peppers in a pot of boiling water and cook until they are soft — about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Add the chillies, salt, garlic and lemon juice. Process until well combined. Serve with the pea patties.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Nigerian Black-Eyed Pea Patties with Pilipili Sauce

You might also enjoy these Northeast African Millet Patties.

11 comments:

  1. These look lovely - I have been enjoying mashing up some beans and flavourings when I feel lazy about dinner lately - but yours look so evenly golden brown

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  2. Lovely they were Johanna, but I don't know about the lazy part. I spent a good few hours in the kitchen cooking up these delights.

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  3. The patties look delicious....and I really like the sound of the pilipili.

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  4. Lovely patties...the pilpili is something that is very interesting and intriguing, I am going to try this very soon...

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  5. the black eyed pea patty looks really good and with the chilli sauce.....ummmmmmm!!!!

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  6. Thanks so much for participating in the WFD Event. The patties sound so delicious and pair well with the chili sauce.

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  7. These look lovely! The sauce looks so cheery.

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  8. These patties looks delicious! They might even taste good with sweet chili thai sauce too!

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  9. Thank you so much Lisa for submitting this recipe to our event this month and for raising awareness for the plight of the world's hungry.We have so much to be thankful for:D

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  10. Black eyed peas are very healthy for our body, especially when it is mixed with herbs and spices. It is really nutritious and tasty.

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