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Fried black bean fritters containing sausage bits, garnished with parsley
Crispy bean fritters with spicy sausage

Afro-Brazilian Black Bean Fritters with Sausage (Acarajé Style)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Main Courses
Acarajé is the soul of Bahia, Brazil, sold by street vendors known as Baianas. While traditionally made with black-eyed peas ('fradinho'), this variation uses the deep, earthy flavor of black beans. The smokiness of the sausage and the rich beans create a hearty, spicy fritter with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
🕒 Prep Time 6 hrs
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 7 hrs
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 480 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Deep pot for frying
  • Large bowl for soaking

Instructions

1 ✓

Rub the soaked beans between your hands to remove as many skins as possible, then drain thoroughly.

Tip: Skinless beans result in a much creamier, lighter batter.
2 ✓

Place the beans, onion, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until you have a puree that is textured, not perfectly smooth.

Tip: If it's too dry to process, add a teaspoon of water, but be very careful not to make it runny.
3 ✓

Transfer to a bowl and beat the mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon for 5-10 minutes until light and fluffy.

Tip: Aeration is key! This replaces yeast/baking powder to make the fritter light rather than a dense brick.
4 ✓

Fry the chopped sausage in a pan, then fold it into the bean batter along with salt, chili flakes, and parsley.

Tip: The sausage fat will also flavor the batter.
5 ✓

Using two spoons, shape the batter into quenelles (ovals) and drop into hot oil. Fry until dark golden brown.

Tip: The oil must be hot enough to seal the crust immediately.
6 ✓

Serve fresh, perhaps with a dash of hot sauce.

Tip: The inside remains soft and almost puree-like, while the outside is crisp.

Recipe FAQ

Why did they disintegrate in the oil?
The batter was either too wet (drain beans well!) or the oil wasn't hot enough. You must also whip the batter until aerated.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Dried Black Beans (soaked overnight)
  • 1 small Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 5 oz Smoked Sausage (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 1 bunch Parsley