Koko da Kosai (Fermented Corn Porridge and Bean Fritters)

Koko da kosai (Hausa for fermented corn porridge and bean fritters) is a beloved traditional breakfast widely eaten across Northern Nigeria and parts of West Africa.

30 min · serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup millet grains (also known as jiƙo)
• 2 cups water (for mixing)
• 2–3 cups boiling water (for cooking)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (citta)
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (kanumfari)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper or chile powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon potash (kanwa; optional)
• Sugar (optional)
• Powdered milk (optional)
• 1 cup black-eyed peas (wake), soaked overnight and peeled
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 fresh chili peppers, chopped (or to taste)
• Salt
• Water
• Vegetable oil

Steps

1. Place the millet in a large bowl, and cover with a large volume of cool, clean water. Let soak for 1–2 days to ferment slightly, changing the water daily to avoid spoilage.
2. Rinse and drain the millet, then use a blender or other suitable tool to grind it to a smooth paste with the 2 cups of water.
3. Using a fine sieve or cheesecloth, strain the paste to remove the chaff. Discard the chaff and keep the liquid starch mixture (called koko base).
4. Transfer the koko base, potash, ginger, and cloves to a pot over medium heat. Stirring continuously to avoid lumps, cook until the mixture thickens into a smooth porridge. Remove from heat when it reaches a creamy consistency.
5. If desired, add sugar or milk to taste before serving.
6. Cover the black-eyed peas with cool water, and soak them for 4–12 hours. Drain and peel the skins from the beans.
7. Blend the peeled beans, onion, and just enough water to get a smooth and thick purée. Do not make the mixture too watery.
8. Stir in salt and chili pepper.
9. In a deep frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil for deep frying over medium-high heat.
10. Use a spoon to gently scoop small portions of the batter into hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).
11. Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
12. Serve the kosai with the finished koko.

More recipes with millet, ginger, cloves, black-eyed peas, onion or chile peppers

Adapted from “Koko da Kosai (Fermented Corn Porridge and Bean Fritters)” in the Wikibooks Cookbook by its contributors, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Reformatted for this site; this page's recipe text is shared under the same license.