Brazilian recipe
Traditional Homemade Acarajé: An Easy and Quick Recipe (Acarajé)
Learn how to make authentic Bahian acarajé at home. A light, crispy dough fried in dende oil, served with vatapá and dried shrimp. Simply irresistible!
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Ingredients
500 g raw black-eyed peas
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml dende oil (palm oil)
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Prepared vatapá
Malagueta pepper to taste
2 large onions, chopped
Salt to taste
500 ml dende oil (palm oil)
500 ml vegetable oil
150 g dried shrimp
Prepared vatapá
Malagueta pepper to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find black-eyed peas and dried shrimp in the dry goods or international specialty sections of local markets. Dende oil (palm oil) is a specific ingredient essential for the authentic flavor and can be found in ethnic food shops. As a substitute, you may use red palm oil if dende is unavailable, though it is the key to the original profile.
Preparation method
- Pulse the raw black-eyed peas in a blender to crack them slightly, without grinding them completely.
- Place the beans in a bowl, cover with water, and soak for 8 to 12 hours to help loosen the skins.
- Remove the loose skins, rinse the beans thoroughly under running water, and drain completely.
- In a blender, process the peeled beans with the chopped onions and salt until you achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
- Transfer the dough 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 dende oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Using two spoons, shape the dough into small balls 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 any excess oil.
- Slice each acarajé in half horizontally, being careful not to separate the pieces completely.
- Fill generously with a portion of vatapá and top with the dried shrimp.
- Add malagueta pepper to taste if you prefer a spicy kick.
Observations
Acarajé is an iconic delicacy of Brazilian cuisine, particularly from Bahia, celebrated for its savory black-eyed pea dough. Careful preparation results in fritters that are true gastronomic gems. Traditionally served with vatapá, dried shrimp, and a dash of hot pepper, acarajé offers a tasting experience that honors a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage.
This detailed recipe guides you through preparing authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow these 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 preparing the dough correctly and frying it in authentic dende oil.
This detailed recipe guides you through preparing authentic acarajé in your own kitchen. Follow these 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 preparing the dough correctly and frying it in authentic dende oil.
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