Acaraje: Black Eye Pea Fritters

palm oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil offers a similar flavor profile with less saturated fat.

dried shrimp

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned fish

Tofu provides a protein alternative, while canned fish is often less expensive.

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: chickpeas

Lentils are lower in calories and chickpeas are more accessible.

cabbage

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: lettuce

Kale is nutrient-dense, while lettuce is a cost-effective substitute.

Pour black-eyed peas into a food processor and break them up without turning them into a powder.

Rinse the black-eyed peas to remove the skins, soaking overnight to allow the skins to rise to the surface.

After soaking overnight, remove the skins and pour the peas into a food processor or blender.

Pulse until coarse, then process until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and mix to incorporate air, making it light and fluffy.

Add salt to taste.

Heat dende oil to 320 or 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Drop spoonfuls of the pea mixture into the hot oil; they will float due to the lightness of the batter.

Flip the fritters over and cook until golden and crispy.

Cut a horizontal slit in the middle of the fritters and fill with the shrimp paste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens