Acarajé is a traditional Brazilian street food from the northeastern region of Bahia. It consists of black-eyed pea fritters that are deep-fried in dendê oil (palm oil) and stuffed with a variety of fillings, typically including spicy shrimp, vatapá (a creamy paste made with bread, coconut milk, and peanuts), and a spicy pepper sauce. This iconic dish is full of bold flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any Brazilian food lover. Follow this recipe to create delicious acarajé at home!
Ingredients (Makes 6 servings)
For the Fritters (Acarajé):
- 2 cups of dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of dried shrimp powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Dendê oil (palm oil) for frying (or vegetable oil as an alternative)
For the Shrimp Filling:
- 200 g (about 7 oz) of small cooked shrimp (or dried shrimp, rehydrated)
- 1 tablespoon of dendê oil (palm oil) or olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Vatapá (optional filling):
- 2 slices of day-old bread, soaked in coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of peanuts or cashews, ground
- 1 tablespoon of palm oil (dendê oil)
- 1/2 cup of shrimp broth or water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Prepare the fritter dough: Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and rub them between your hands to remove the skins. Rinse and repeat until most of the skins are removed. Blend the peas in a food processor along with the onion, garlic, dried shrimp powder (if using), and salt, until you get a thick paste.
- Form the fritters: Shape the pea mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
- Fry the fritters: Heat the dendê oil in a deep pan until hot. Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the shrimp filling: In a skillet, heat the dendê oil and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the shrimp and tomato paste, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and well-coated with the sauce. Set aside.
- Prepare the vatapá (optional): In a pan, heat the palm oil and add the soaked bread, ground peanuts or cashews, and shrimp broth. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy paste. Season with salt and set aside.
- Assemble the acarajé: Cut each fritter open and fill it with the shrimp filling. Add a spoonful of vatapá (if using) and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the acarajé hot with spicy pepper sauce on the side for an authentic Bahian experience.
This Acarajé is crispy, flavorful, and filled with the vibrant tastes of Bahia. Enjoy this delicious Brazilian street food as a snack or appetizer!
