Delight in the rich flavors of Bahia with this traditional Acarajé recipe. Originating from Salvador, this beloved street food combines the humble black-eyed pea with bold palm oil to create a crispy, golden fritter. Typically served with a flavorful mix of vatapá, dried shrimp, and vinaigrette, it's a true treat for the senses.
Ingredients
🫘 500g Husked Black-Eyed Peas (Feijão Fradinho Sem Casca)
🧅 300g Chopped Onion
🧂 Generous Amount of Salt
🥥 2L Palm Oil (Azeite de Dendê)
🌿 Chopped Green Onions (for vinaigrette)
🦐 Dried Shrimp (Camarão Seco)
🍞 Vatapá
Instructions
1- Soak the Beans:
- Place the husked black-eyed peas in a bowl of water and let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- This helps achieve the ideal texture for the fritter base.
2- Drain and Blend:
- After soaking, thoroughly drain the peas.
- Transfer them to a KitchenAid blender and add the chopped onions.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste.
3- Season and Aerate the Dough:
- Pour the pea and onion mixture into a green ceramic mixing bowl.
- Add salt generously.
- Use a red silicone spatula to vigorously beat the mixture upwards to incorporate air until it becomes fluffy and light.
4- Heat the Palm Oil:
- Pour the palm oil into your stainless steel frying pan and set it on your induction cooktop.
- Heat until it reaches a hot frying temperature (around 180°C or 356°F).
5- Shape and Fry:
- Dip two spoons in water to prevent sticking and shape the dough into ovals or rounds.
- Carefully place each into the hot oil.
6- Cook Until Golden:
- Fry the Acarajé until golden-brown on one side, then flip to cook the other side, ensuring even cooking.
7- Drain:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried Acarajé and place on paper towels in a wicker serving basket to drain any excess oil.
8- Serve:
- Cut open the Acarajé and fill with vatapá, a spoonful of vinaigrette, and dried shrimp.
- Serve fresh and hot.
Prep Time: 6 hours soaking time + 10 minutes prep
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Acarajé servings
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: Estimated 220
Protein: 5g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Equipment: Blender: KitchenAid, Induction Cooktop, Frying Pan: Stainless Steel, Mixing Bowl: Green Ceramic Bowl, Spatula: Red Silicone Spatula, Slotted Spoon, Serving Basket: Wicker, Paper Towels
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the beans are well-shelled and cleaned before soaking.
- Achieving a fluffy dough is key; thoroughly beat the mixture to incorporate air.
- Monitor oil temperature to prevent burning.
#Acarajé #BrazilCuisine #BahianFood #StreetFood #TraditionalFoods
YouTube Channel - Ferreira Costa
Acarajé
Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking