Brazilian vegan acaraje with tomato relish recipe
Acaraje, a beloved Brazilian street food, originates from African cuisine and thrives in Bahia. It's made from black-eyed pea fritters, traditionally deep-fried in palm oil and accompanied by various fillings. Our vegan, eggless adaptation broadens its appeal while preserving its cultural essence. Ready to bring a taste of Brazil into your home? Let's start cooking this exquisite dish.
Gather the following ingredients
For the Acaraje, gather two cups of black-eyed peas (soaked overnight and skins removed), one small onion (chopped), salt to taste, and vegetable oil for frying. For the tomato relish, include two large tomatoes (diced), one small onion (finely chopped), one green chili (finely chopped, optional), a handful of fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of one lime, salt, and pepper to taste.
Preparing the black-eyed pea batter
Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and blend them with chopped onion and a pinch of salt to form a smooth paste. If necessary, add a bit of water for blending, aiming for thick consistency. To make the batter airy, beat it vigorously for a few minutes. This step ensures your acaraje will be light and fluffy when fried.
Frying the acaraje
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, form balls from the batter using two spoons or an ice cream scoop, and carefully drop them into the oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, about five minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Making tomato relish
While the acaraje fry or cool, prepare the tomato relish. Combine diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, optional green chili, and cilantro in a bowl. Add lime juice, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the flavors meld beautifully, creating a fresh, zesty complement to the crispy fritters. This relish enhances the dish with its vibrant taste and texture.
Serving your dish
To serve, split each acaraje halfway, forming a pocket without cutting all the way through. Then, generously fill with tomato relish. This combination of crispy fritters and fresh, zesty relish makes an irresistible appetizer or snack perfect for any time of day. Enjoy this delightful Brazilian vegan acaraje with tomato relish as you explore plant-based versions of traditional dishes from around the world.
