Red Split Lentil Akara & A Lesson in Courage (Plus a Special Gift for You!)

 

Hey guys, welcome to Maryam’s Joyful Life blog!

Today is a beautiful day, and I’m so happy to share something amazing with you—a recipe, a story, and a little encouragement if you’re feeling stuck.

Let’s start with the food (because YES please 🙌🏽).

I made akara with red split lentils—and let me tell you—it turned out absolutely amazing! 😍

My big sister Aisha, who I’ve been visiting in London, shared her special recipe with me. She’s not just a BAWSE businesswoman, she’s also one of the best home cooks I know. She whipped up this version of akara using red split lentils, and it blew my mind. I had to try it for myself back in the kitchen.

So the day I decided to make it, my Sweetman stood beside me, clearly excited but also lowkey checking in like, “Did you remember everything Aisha said?” 😂

I know he meant well, but it made me feel like I needed to prove to myself (and maybe a little to him too!) that I could do it—and do it well.

Guess what?

It turned out beautifully.

Golden brown on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor. Everyone who tried it loved it, and I felt SO proud—not just because I made something delicious, but because I didn’t let fear stop me from trying.

We all have those moments—where we wonder if we’re “ready enough” or “good enough” to try something new. But sometimes, the breakthrough is on the other side of just doing it anyway.

So if you’re reading this and have a goal or dream you’re hesitating on—go for it. The goodness you’re imagining might be waiting for you just beyond the fear. 💛

🍽️ 

Red Split Lentil Akara Recipe (My Sister Aisha’s Version)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red split lentils
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
• 1 scotch bonnet (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Seasoning cube (optional)
• Water (for blending and soaking)
• Oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. Soak the lentils in water for 1–2 hours, then drain completely.
2. Blend the soaked lentils with onion, scotch bonnet (if using), and just a small amount of water to help it blend. You want a thick, spoonable batter.
3. Add salt and seasoning, and mix the batter well to incorporate some air for fluffiness.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan on medium heat.
5. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil and fry until golden brown, turning halfway through.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serve with pap, custard, or on its own as a delicious, protein-packed snack! 😋

🎁 

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Thank you for reading and being part of this joyful journey with me. Whether it’s in the kitchen or in life, let’s keep growing, creating, and believing in the power of taking that first step.

With all my love,

Maryam 💕

Who Knew Red Split Lentils Could Do THIS?! 😲✨

Hey guys, welcome to Maryam’s Joyful Life blog!

Today is a beautiful day, and I’m excited to share a post with you that’s filled with family, food, fun—and a little surprise ingredient that blew my mind.

So… Red Split Lentils. Who knew they existed and could make such amazing akara?

At least not me. I know, right? You might be thinking, “Maryam, how could you not know that?” But honestly, I didn’t—until a few weeks ago when I came to London to visit my amazing big sister.

Now, let me tell you something about my sister—she knows her food. Like, really knows her food. I’m convinced she could be a top-tier taste tester if she ever decided to change careers. She’s not a professional chef, though. She’s a businesswoman, a true BAWSE lady, making big moves and doing big things. But even with her busy schedule, she still finds time to throw down in the kitchen like nobody’s business.

She introduced me to akara made with red split lentils, and whew—mind blown. It’s light, crispy, fluffy, and everything akara dreams are made of. She taught me her recipe (thank you, sis!), and I’m definitely bringing it back to America. My Sweetman has already dropped hints that he’d love to try my version, and even the kids have been loving it. I’ve posted a picture of the red lentils here on the blog so you’ll know exactly which kind to get. Keep an eye out—I’ll be dropping her secret recipe soon, and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.

Now onto another delightful surprise—oatmeal, but not just any oatmeal. This one is made by none other than my nephew Showers—yes, Showers with an S! As in Showers of Blessings (and believe me, he lives up to his name!).

Let me tell you, Showers’ oatmeal has the kids raving. And I mean raving. The kind of raving that makes you question your own cooking skills as a mom. 😂 I had to pull him aside and ask, “Okay, what is this magic you’re doing?”

Here’s how he makes it:

1. Start by boiling milk on the stovetop.
2. Add a little sugar—just enough to sweeten the deal.
3. Then stir in your oats and mix until it becomes a creamy, dreamy, heavenly mixture.

The result? Perfection. Creamy, warm, comforting, and kid-approved. I’ve already made it twice for the kids here in the UK, and all I hear is “Oooh!” and “Aaah!” followed by empty bowls. It’s THAT good. I promise to post a quick recipe for that too, and I’m sure Showers won’t mind… Right, Showers? 😂

I feel so grateful for this sweet time with my family. Being here in London has not only filled my heart but also expanded my recipe book—and tastebuds—in the best way possible. It’s a joy learning new things, especially from the people I love.

If you want to give Showers’ creamy oatmeal a try or start prepping to make the red lentil akara, stay tuned to the blog.

And while you’re here, remember to check out MaryamsJoyfulLifeLuxuryVacation.com for all your travel planning needs. We’re creating unforgettable travel experiences for families like yours!

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Until next time,

Keep smiling, stay joyful, and never stop learning in the kitchen or in life!

With love,

Maryam 💕