Where does Kossai come from?

Kossai — country of origin: Niger.

What is Kossai made of?

Black-eyed pea, onion, chilli, salt, frying oil.

How do you pronounce Kossai?

Kosai (Hausa) is pronounced /koˈsai/.

Kossai

KosaiPronunciation (IPA) /koˈsai/

Crisp fritters made from a black-eyed-pea batter, eaten across Hausa communities in Niger and neighboring countries.

Allergens & declarations

The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

What it really is

Kossai are crisp fritters made from black-eyed-pea batter in Hausa communities, including Niger.

Black-eyed peas are soaked and ground into a batter, then seasoned and fried in small portions. The fritters develop a browned exterior while remaining soft inside. Some versions are whipped or otherwise aerated before frying. The name kossai is used in Niger and across Hausa food traditions; akara is a related or alternate name in some places. It is shared regionally.

The legume base gives kossai a savoury flavour and makes it a substantial snack. Seasoning may include onion, chilli or other aromatics, but recipes differ. It can be eaten plain, with a sauce or as part of a larger meal; those pairings are optional. Since it is fried, the oil and shared fryer matter for dietary claims. The legumes themselves should be stated clearly, and accompaniments should not be counted as ingredients unless they are mixed into the batter.

How it's served

Serve hot or warm soon after frying, in small portions. A crisp exterior is best maintained by avoiding a tightly covered container that traps steam. If a dip, bread or sauce is supplied, identify it separately and say whether it is included.

Call kossai black-eyed-pea fritters and retain the Niger/Hausa name. Name the seasoning and frying oil, and confirm shared-fryer practices before making allergen claims.

Typical ingredients

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Frequently asked questions

What is Kossai?: Crisp fritters made from a black-eyed-pea batter, eaten across Hausa communities in Niger and neighboring countries.
Where does Kossai come from?: Kossai — country of origin: Niger.
What is Kossai made of?: Black-eyed pea, onion, chilli, salt, frying oil.
Which allergens does Kossai contain?: The classic recipe carries none of the 14 EU allergens.
How do you pronounce Kossai?: Kosai (Hausa) is pronounced /koˈsai/. Select the speaker button next to the dish name to hear it.