Serves: 8
Total Calories: 526

1 pound black-eyed pea
1 pound onion
vegetable oil
* dendê oil
1 small onion with skin on
1 recipe Popular Stew (Vatapá rápido)
5 ounces dried shrimp
salt and pepper

Put the black eyed peas into a food processor and beat for a few seconds just to break up the black eyed peas, but be careful not to beat until it becomes a flour.

Put the broken up black eyed peas on to soak in a large container—cover with water and let soak for at least 12 hours.

Every so often, stir the soaking black eyed peas and pour off the skins that raise to the top of the water. This should be done several times during the soaking time and each time be sure to cover the Black eyed peas soaking again with water.

After the soaking period is over, wash the black eyed peas and strain and set aside.

Peel and cut the onions into large cubes. Set aside.

Put the black eyed peas and the onions in a food processor and beat for about 3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Season with salt and pepper and pour into a large bowl.

With a wooden spoon beat for a long while until it is triple in volume. Although this take a long time it is important for the fermentation.

Heat equal amounts of the two oils in a heavy frying pan on high heat. Put in the whole small onion still with the skin.

Mold two soupspoons of the mixture with both floured hands and then fry in the hot oil for about 3 minutes on each side. During the process you will need to watch that the oil is not too hot so that it won’t burn the Acarajé as it cooks and yet you will need to keep the oil hot. The Acarajé should be cooked just before it is served. Drain on several layers of paper towels.

Cut in the center and serve fill with Vatapá. You could put a small cooked shrimp on top and serve immediately.

NOTE: this is the most traditional Baiana´s dish. It is served in little stands in Bahia all along the beach and on most busy streets in Salvador. They have the mixture prepared ahead of time and then fry it after it is ordered.

*You may find dendê oil in a special shop dealing in Brazilian products.

Nutritional Facts:

Serves: 8
Total Calories: 526
Calories from Fat: 185

More Recipes from the A Taste of Brazil Cookbook:
Popular Stew (Vatapá rápido)
Black Eyed Peas Rolls (Acarajé)
Stew (Cozido)
Emigrants' Casserole (Enfornado caipira)
Brazilian Beef Stew (Ensopado de carne)