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    Haitian Food » Haitian Akra (Accra)

    Haitian Akra (Accra)

    Posted On July 30, 2021 By Mirlene Last updated February 24, 2022 7 Comments

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    Haitian Akra (Accra) Pinterest Pin

    Also known as Malanga Fritters (Haitian Akra), this is a crunchy appetizer that is common throughout Haiti. 

    Haitian accra on a white silver plate

    Haitian Akra uses a native root vegetable mixed with flavorful herbs and spices to form a batter, which is then deep fried to crispy, golden perfection. 

    Aside from the malanga, all the other ingredients are easy to get hold of and there’s only very basic prep and cooking involved, making this a tasty treat that’s perfectly beginner friendly. 

    What’s Malanga & Where is Malanga From?

     

    This starchy vegetable goes by many different names including yautia and taro and is cultivated in various tropical regions around the world. 

    Its texture is not dissimilar to that of a potato, and in Haiti malanga is often used in its place, whether roasted, boiled or fried. 

    Taste wise, malanga has an almost woody or earthy flavor with a subtle hint of nuttiness. 

    You may notice that there is no flour in this recipe like you might find in traditional fritters. As the malanga is so starchy, flour is not needed to bind all the ingredients together.

    While you won’t find malanga in every grocery store in the US, it is usually stocked at specialist Caribbean or Asian stores and available to order online on Amazon. 

    appetizer on a plate with red cabbage in the middle

    It is even occasionally stocked in Walmart, so check your local store first.

    You’ll want to have your malanga in as small pieces as you can manage for this dish, ideally blended together with the other ingredients. 

    If you don’t have a blender, you can either grate the malanga or simply chop it very finely. 

    Watch To Make

    Herbs And Spices

    The scent of the blended herbs and spices pack a real punch of flavor to these Haitian Accra. 

    Thyme, which you see a lot in Caribbean and Haitian cuisine, has a lovely earthy yet slightly floral taste which is the perfect match for the woody malanga, while fresh parsley adds some brightness and freshness. 

    That adds a bit of savory, sharp flavor, while in true Haitian style the peppers bring a bit of a kick. 

    The different herbs and spices in the Haitian Akra are rounded out by a good Haitian seasoning and of salt and black pepper. 

    Haitian accra on a white silver plate

    Ingredients

    To make sure you get flavor in every bite, it’s important that your batter is properly mixed so that all the different herbs and spices are distributed evenly throughout. 

    Here’s what you’ll need: 

    ¼ Cup Haitian Epis

    2 Malanga 

    2 Cups oil for deep frying

    ½ Habanero Pepper or scotch bonnet pepper

    1 ½ Tsp. Salt

    1 egg or 2 Tbsp. All-purpose flour

    How To Make Haitian Accra

    Peel and cut the malanga into 4 pieces. Set the malanga in a bowl filled with water to keep them looking fresh.

    akra in bowl and seasoning in the food processor

    Once you peeled all the malanga, rinse the vegetable before transfering it to the food processor. Pulse about 3 times so that the vegetable becomes crunchy.

    Next, in a separate bowl mix together the epis, egg, habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine. Transfer the epis mixture to the malanga in the food processor.

    Blend until it is well combined but not overly mushy. You should still see small lumps and the mixture will resemble a lumpy paste.  

    preparing accra batter

    Use a knife or a spoon to shape your malanga into the desired shape or use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the batter to begin frying.

    Place the oil in the deep fryer and heat the oil o 350 degrees. Once the oil is heated and reached temperature, deep fry the malanga. Do not overcrowd. 

    deep frying Accra

    Start with one scoop or portion.

    akra in oil and paper towel

    Cook the malanga for 8 minutes, turning once then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper toweled plate and repeat the steps.

    side view of haitian appetizer on a white silver plate

    Other ways to use Malanga?

    If you would like to make this malanga fritter vegan, simply substitute the egg with 2 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Fold in the flour.

    Malanga can be used in various ways. From boiling to roasting, and from soups to stews, malanga can be used in many ways to create a satisfying meal. 

    Haitian accra on a white silver plate

    Serving Suggestions

    Malanga fritters is great with fried plantains, like this Haitian air fryer plantains, or these Haitian balls. They also pair well with the following dishes: 

    Haitian tasso

    Haitian rice and beans

    Fried red snapper

    Grilled whole red snapper

    Garden salad for extra crunch 

    Caesar salad

    Haitian black rice

    Or serve it as an appetizer with this Haitian Marinade

    Haitian Appetizer on a wooden board

    It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe. Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish. 

    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

    Don’t forget to see this recipe and all our latest videos on YouTube!

    Haitian Appetizer on a wooden board

    Haitian Malanga Fritters (Akra)

    Savory Thoughts
    Also known as Malanga Fritters (Haitian Akra), this is a crunchy accra uses a native root vegetable mixed with bold spices, then deep fried to a goldem crispy perfection.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 18 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 80 kcal

    Equipment

    • Deep fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ Cup Haitian Epis
    • 2 Malanga
    • 2 Cups oil for deep frying
    • ½ Habanero Pepper or scotch bonnet pepper
    • 1 ½ Tsp. Salt
    • 1 egg or 2 Tbsp. All-purpose flour see notes

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and cut the malanga into 4 pieces. Set the malanga in a bowl filled with water to keep them looking fresh. Once you peeled all the malanga, rinse the vegetable before transfering it to the food processor. Pulse about 3 times so that the vegetable becomes crunchy.
      akra in bowl and seasoning in the food processor
    • Next, in a separate bowl mix together the epis, egg, habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine. Transfer the epis mixture to the malanga in the food processor. Blend until it is well combined but not overly mushy. You should still see small lumps and the mixture will resemble a lumpy paste.
      Use a knife or a spoon to shape your malanga into the desired shape or use an ice cream scoop to scoop out the batter to begin frying.
      preparing accra batter
    • Place the oil in the deep fryer and heat the oil to 350 degrees. Once the oil is heated and reached temperature, deep fry the malanga. Do not overcrowd.
      Start with one scoop or portion to test the malanga.
      akra in oil and paper towel
    • Cook the malanga for 8 minutes, turning once then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper toweled plate and repeat the steps.
      Haitian Appetizer on a wooden board lined with parchment paper

    Video

    Notes

    If you would like to make this malanga fritter vegan, simply substitute the egg with 2 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Fold in the flour.
    **** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
    Calories are estimated per serving only.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 2gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 477mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Krissy Allori

      October 09, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love trying different recipes from around the world and this one didn’t disappoint. Directions were easy to follow too!

      Reply
    2. Gina

      October 09, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      I’ll be on the lookout for malanga now because these look so crispy and delicious!

      Reply
    3. Mandy Applegate

      October 09, 2021 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      I’d never tried akra before but I will be making them regularly now!

      Reply
    4. Anjali

      October 09, 2021 at 6:14 am

      5 stars
      I hadn’t heard of this recipe before I came across your post but I’m so glad I did! This looks so tasty – can’t wait to try it this weekend!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 18, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Thank you, Anjali!

        Reply
    5. Andrea

      October 09, 2021 at 2:13 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never had anything like this. It looks and sounds fabulous!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 18, 2021 at 2:53 pm

        Thank you, Andrea!

        Reply

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