Introduction
Acarajé is a popular street food originating from the Afro-Brazilian culture, especially in the Bahia region. It consists of deep-fried fritters made from black-eyed peas, which are ground and mixed with onions and spices. The fritters are then split open and filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, pepper sauce, and vatapá (a creamy paste made from bread, peanuts, and coconut milk). Acarajé is not only a delicious snack but also a dish rich in cultural significance, often enjoyed at festivals and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas (dried)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon palm oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup stale bread, torn into pieces
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup peanuts (or cashews)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon palm oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas:
- Soak the black-eyed peas in water overnight. Drain and rinse well. In a food processor, combine the soaked peas and chopped onion. Pulse until the mixture is smooth but slightly chunky. Season with salt.
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Fry the Acarajé:
- In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon, drop dollops of the black-eyed pea mixture into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
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Make the Shrimp Filling:
- In a skillet, heat palm oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent. Add cooked shrimp, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes. Finish with lime juice and set aside.
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Prepare Vatapá (optional):
- In a blender, combine stale bread, coconut milk, peanuts, onion, garlic, ginger, and salt. Blend until smooth. In a saucepan, heat palm oil and cook the mixture over medium heat until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Assemble the Acarajé:
- Split the fried fritters in half and fill them with the shrimp mixture. If using, add a spoonful of vatapá.
Health Tips
- While Acarajé is a tasty treat, it can be high in calories and fat due to frying. To make it healthier, consider baking the fritters instead of frying or using less oil in the filling. Pairing it with a fresh salad can also enhance the nutritional value of the meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Acarajé is best served hot, accompanied by a side of vatapá, fresh salad, or dipping sauce. It's often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Tips
- Dough Consistency: Ensure the black-eyed pea mixture is not too watery; it should hold together when fried. If too wet, add a little more ground peanuts or flour.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices or herbs in the shrimp filling for unique flavor profiles.
- Storage: Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
