Acarajé

Experience the vibrant flavors of Brazil with this traditional Acarajé recipe. These delicious deep-fried bean fritters are a street food staple in Bahia, filled with rich Vatapá and savory Caruru, and garnished with fresh shrimp. Perfectly embodying Afro-Brazilian culinary heritage, this dish will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Salvador.

Ingredients

For Acarajé Fritters:
🫘 0.5 kg black-eyed beans no brand visible
🧅 2 onions no brand visible
🧂 Salt no brand visible
🌶️ Black pepper no brand visible
🦐 300g fresh shrimp no brand visible
🟠 1 L Dende oil no brand visible

For Vatapá:
🧄 10 garlic cloves no brand visible
🌶️ 1 red bell pepper no brand visible
🌶️ 1 yellow bell pepper no brand visible
🌶️ 1 red chili no brand visible
🦐 200g dried shrimp no brand visible
🥜 100g peanuts no brand visible
🌰 100g cashew nuts no brand visible
🌿 1/2 bunch coriander no brand visible
🌿 1/2 bunch parsley no brand visible
🧅 2 onions no brand visible
🥥 1 L coconut milk no brand visible
🧉 Cachaça clear bottle, purple label, brand not visible
🟠 3 Tbs Dende oil no brand visible

For Caruru:
🧄 5 garlic cloves no brand visible
🌶️ 1/2 red bell pepper no brand visible
🌶️ 1/2 yellow bell pepper no brand visible
🌶️ 1 red chili no brand visible
🍅 2 tomatoes no brand visible
🌿 1/2 bunch coriander no brand visible
🌿 1/2 bunch parsley no brand visible
🌿 1/2 bunch spring onions no brand visible
🧈 Regular oil no brand visible
🌽 300g okra no brand visible
🥜 100g peanuts no brand visible
🌰 100g cashew nuts no brand visible
🦐 200g dried shrimp no brand visible
🧂 Salt no brand visible
🌶️ Black pepper no brand visible
🍋 Lime juice no brand visible

Equipment:
Nutribullet Blender brand visible
Stainless steel mixing bowls no brand visible
Strainer no brand visible
Wooden cutting board no brand visible
Chef's knife no brand visible
AEG Induction cooktop with stainless steel and cast iron frying pans brand visible for cooktop, no brand for pans
Small saucepan no brand visible
Wooden spoon no brand visible
Silicone spatula no brand visible
Tongs no brand visible
Gold-colored slotted spoon/skimmer no brand visible
Baking sheet with parchment paper no brand visible

Instructions

1- Soak Beans:

• Soak black-eyed beans overnight or for at least 6 hours.

2- Preparatory Pulse:

• Briefly pulse soaked beans in a Nutribullet to break slightly.

3- Peel Beans:

• Rub beans in water to loosen skins, straining repeatedly to remove them.

4- Blend Dough:

• Blend peeled beans with onions and salt to create a thick paste.

5- Aerate Dough:

• Vigorously stir the paste in a bowl until fluffy and doubled in volume.

6- Dry Blend:

• Toast dried shrimp, peanuts, and cashews; blend to powder.

7- Chop & Sauté:

• Chop vegetables and herbs. Sauté okra with lime juice, add remaining veggies.

8- Simmer:

• Mix dry ingredients and sauté veggies. Add shrimp stock and tomatoes. Cook until creamy.

9- Herbal Finish:

• Incorporate fresh herbs, season with salt and pepper.

10- Start Wet Mix:

• Sauté chopped onions, garlic, and peppers in Dende oil. Add Cachaça.

11- Thicken Base:

• Add dry mixture and flour, forming a thick paste.

12- Final Blend:

• Mix in coconut milk and shrimp stock. Heat till thick and smooth.

13- Herb Infusion:

• Stir in fresh herbs and season to taste.

14- Heat Oil:

• Warm Dende oil in a deep frying pan; add onion for aroma control.

15- Fry Fritters:

• Drop spoonfuls of aerated batter into hot oil. Fry until golden.

16- Drain:

• Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

17- Split Fritters:

• Carefully slice fritters and scoop filling inside.

18- Fill & Garnish:

• Add layers of Vatapá and Caruru, garnish with shrimp and fresh tomato salad.

Prep Time: Overnight soaking + 60 mins preparation
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours + overnight soaking
Servings: Makes 10 servings
Nutritional Info (per serving): Not detailed in the video
*Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredients used.

Cooking Tips:

• Peeling Technique: Blending beans before rubbing is key to efficient peeling.
• Aeration is Key: Sufficient aeration ensures fritters are light and crisp.
• Dende Aroma Control: Using a whole onion in oil helps manage aroma.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt carefully, especially with dried shrimp.
• Enjoy the delicious Brazilian street food experience with every bite of Acarajé, filled with nurturing flavors and Brazilian warmth.

#acareje #traditionalcuisine #brazilianfood #streetfood #beanfritters

#hungrynati

Acarajé

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_hivecooking