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Akara Ceremony

Also known as Akara Ceremony (Yoruba Baby Shower / Naming Ceremony)

At a Yoruba Naming Ceremony (Isomolomo), held on the seventh day after the birth of a child, Akara is one of the sacred foods prepared and distributed to all guests. The naming ceremony is a joyful, music-filled event where the newborn is formally introduced to the world, given their name by the eldest family member and blessed with prayers.

Akara Ceremony, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 6 big cups of black-eyed peas, soaked and peeled
  • 3 big onions, roughly chopped
  • 5 to 6 Atarodo (hot chilli peppers), blended
  • 3 big handfuls of ground dried crayfish
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • Palm oil for frying — at ceremony scale, palm oil is used
  • Minimal water for blending

Method

  1. 01

    Community Peeling. At the Naming Ceremony, the peeling of beans the night before is a communal activity — neighbours and family members come together to peel the large quantities of beans needed for the ceremony. This communal preparation is part of the celebration.

  2. 02

    Blending in Batches. Blend the peeled beans in large batches with onion and Atarodo, using the absolute minimum water. Each batch must be thick.

  3. 03

    Communal Beating. Pool all batched batter into one large container. Beat vigorously for 5 minutes by multiple people taking turns — the more hands, the more air, the fluffier the Akara.

  4. 04

    Ceremony-Scale Frying. Heat abundant palm oil in the largest available frying vessel — traditionally a large iron pot. Fry Akara in large batches throughout the morning of the ceremony, ensuring a constant supply for guests.

  5. 05

    Ceremonial Distribution. Package Akara in small bags or on plates for distribution to all ceremony guests. Every guest must receive Akara before they leave — it is considered a blessing to receive the Naming Day Akara.

More festive & ceremonial dishes