koose

Koose is a popular West African snack consisting of fried bean cakes. It is traditionally made by grinding soaked black-eyed peas or cowpeas into a smooth paste and mixing in finely chopped onions, hot peppers, and salt, then deep-frying small spoonfuls of the batter until golden and crisp. In some recipes, a small amount of flour or corn starch is added to improve binding and texture. The dish is commonly vegan, since it is made from beans, onions, and spices.

Koose is closely related to akara, the Yoruba variant found in Nigeria, and is widely sold by street vendors in Ghana, Nigeria, and neighboring countries. Regional differences include the level of spice, the exact bean used, and how it is served. It is often enjoyed with spicy pepper sauce (sometimes called shito in Ghana) or with a simple dip, and may be eaten alone as a snack or served with local staples such as gari or bread to make a sandwich.

Nutritional aspects: As a bean-based dish, koose provides plant protein and fiber; it is typically prepared with little or no animal fat, though frying adds calories.