Kose, also called Akara in Nigeria, is a traditional street‑food snack that originated in the forest‑dwelling communities of Ghana. Made from locally grown black‑eyed beans, it provides a protein‑rich, portable meal for workers and is often enjoyed with tea or as part of festive gatherings.

In Ghana, Kose is typically spiced with hot peppers like habanero and sometimes includes spring onion, giving it a fiery bite. Nigerian Akara often uses milder peppers and may incorporate palm oil for flavor. Both share the same bean base but differ in seasoning and occasional addition of egg.

Kose is usually served hot, straight from the oil, accompanied by a spicy pepper sauce, sliced onions, or a simple chutney. In street markets, vendors often sell it in paper cones for on‑the‑go eating.

Kose appears at family gatherings, church events, and market festivals. Its quick‑cook nature makes it ideal for serving large crowds during holidays such as Independence Day and during wedding receptions as a snack.

The use of black‑eyed beans, a long whisking step to aerate the batter, and the inclusion of fiery local peppers give Kose a distinctive crunchy exterior and fluffy interior that sets it apart from other bean‑based fritters.

Common errors include over‑blending the beans, under‑whisking the batter, and frying at too high a temperature. Each mistake leads to dense, greasy fritters or burnt outsides.

Extended whisking incorporates air, creating a light, airy texture that is essential for the characteristic fluffy interior of Kose. A mixer can achieve the same effect but the video demonstrates a manual whisk for home cooks without a stand mixer.

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to two hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cooked fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for two days and reheated in a hot skillet to restore crispness.

The fritters should develop a deep golden‑brown crust, be firm to the touch, and feel light when lifted. Inside they should be soft, slightly airy, and not wet.

When the exterior is uniformly golden and the fritters float to the surface, give them a gentle press—if they feel firm and no longer wet in the center, they are done.

The YouTube channel Munat Kitchen focuses on authentic West African home cooking, especially Ghanaian and Nigerian dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that highlight traditional techniques and everyday ingredients.

Munat Kitchen emphasizes cultural storytelling, uses minimal equipment, and often shares personal family tips—like the exact soaking time for beans—making the recipes feel like a lived tradition rather than a generic cooking demo.