Brazilian recipe
Traditional Acarajé (Acarajé)
Learn how to prepare authentic Brazilian street food at home. Crispy black-eyed pea fritters fried in palm oil, served with vatapá paste and dried shrimp.
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Ingredients
500 g raw black-eyed peas
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml palm oil (dendê)
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Prepared vatapá
Malagueta chili to taste
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml palm oil (dendê)
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Prepared vatapá
Malagueta chili to taste
Where to find ingredients
Black-eyed peas can be found at local dry goods markets or grocers. Palm oil is an essential traditional item; as a substitute for palm oil, you may use a high-quality refined coconut oil mixed with annatto for color, though the flavor profile will differ significantly. Dried shrimp and specialized ingredients are typically available at international spice shops or large ethnic grocery stores.
Preparation method
- Lightly crack the raw black-eyed peas in a blender, without pulverizing them completely
- Place the beans in a container, cover with water, and let soak for 8 to 12 hours to facilitate the removal of the skins
- Remove the loosened skins, wash the beans thoroughly under running water, and drain completely
- In a blender, process the peeled beans with the chopped onions and salt until you obtain a smooth and creamy batter
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until it doubles or triples in volume
- In a deep pot, heat a mixture of palm oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- Using two spoons, mold the batter into fritters and carefully drop them into the hot oil
- Fry the acarajé for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden and crispy
- Remove the acarajé with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil
- Slice each acarajé in half, without separating the two sides completely
- Fill them generously with vatapá and dried shrimp
- Add malagueta chili to taste, if you prefer a spicy touch
Observations
Acarajé is an iconic delicacy from Brazilian cuisine, particularly celebrated in Bahia, known for its flavorful black-eyed pea batter. The careful preparation results in fritters that are true culinary gems. Traditionally served with vatapá, dried shrimp, and a touch of chili, acarajé offers a sensory experience that honors a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage.
This detailed recipe guides you through preparing authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow traditional methods to ensure fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for any special occasion. The secret lies in the preparation of the dough and frying it to perfection in palm oil.
This detailed recipe guides you through preparing authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow traditional methods to ensure fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for any special occasion. The secret lies in the preparation of the dough and frying it to perfection in palm oil.
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