Brazilian recipe
Traditional Homemade Acarajé (Acarajé)
Make authentic acarajé at home with crisp fritters fried in dendê oil and filled with vatapá and dried shrimp.
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Ingredients
500 g raw black-eyed peas
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml dendê oil
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Ready-made vatapá
Bird’s eye chilli to taste
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml dendê oil
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Ready-made vatapá
Bird’s eye chilli to taste
Where to find ingredients
Look for black-eyed peas, onions, salt, peanut oil or vegetable oil, dried shrimp, ready-made vatapá, and bird’s eye chillies at local supermarkets, market produce stalls, and seafood sections. If you cannot find dendê oil, use it only as a substitute in stores that stock West African or international ingredients.
Preparation method
- Lightly crack the raw black-eyed peas in a blender, without grinding them completely
- Place the peas in a container, cover with water, and soak for 8 to 12 hours to make it easier to remove the skins
- Remove the skins that have loosened, rinse the peas well under running water, and drain completely
- In the blender, beat the skinned peas with the chopped onions and salt until you get a smooth, 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 pan, heat a mixture of dendê oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat
- Using two spoons, shape the batter into small balls and carefully place them in the hot oil
- Fry the acarajés for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp
- Remove the acarajés with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb the excess oil
- Cut each acarajé in half, without splitting it completely
- Fill generously with vatapá and dried shrimp
- Add bird’s eye chilli to taste, if you want a spicy touch
Observations
Acarajé is an iconic bite from Brazilian cooking, especially from Bahia, known for its flavourful black-eyed pea batter. Careful preparation produces fritters that are true culinary gems. Traditionally served with vatapá, dried shrimp, and a touch of chilli, acarajé delivers a flavour experience that celebrates its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage.
This detailed recipe guides you through making authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow the traditional methods to ensure fritters that are crisp on the outside and soft inside, perfect for any special moment. The secret lies in preparing the batter properly and frying it at the ideal temperature in dendê oil.
This detailed recipe guides you through making authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow the traditional methods to ensure fritters that are crisp on the outside and soft inside, perfect for any special moment. The secret lies in preparing the batter properly and frying it at the ideal temperature in dendê oil.
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