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Acarajé with Carurú, spicy bean fritters with sesame seeds
Traditional Brazilian dish, spicy carurú and bean fritters

Bahian Acarajé with Carurú (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Main Courses
Acarajé is an Afro-Brazilian heritage dish from Bahia. It consists of a bean dough whipped until airy and fried in palm oil. 'Carurú' is a thick ragout accompanying the crispy bean ball. Removing the bean skins and aerating the dough are key to a light, non-greasy result.
🕒 Prep Time 6 hrs 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 6 hrs 50 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 750 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Blender or food processor
  • Deep skillet or pot for frying
  • Bowl for soaking

Allergen Information

⚠️ Tree Nuts

Instructions

1 ✓

Soak peas for at least 6 hours (or overnight). Important: rub the peas in water to loosen skins, allowing them to float to the top. Discard skins.

Tip: Peeled peas ensure a creamy, light dough.
2 ✓

Place drained peas and chopped onion (half head) in a food processor. Puree until smooth paste. Add salt.

Tip: Don't add water unless absolutely necessary! Onion moisture should suffice.
3 ✓

Transfer dough to a bowl and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon for 10-15 minutes until airy, fluffy, and increased in volume.

Tip: Critical step! Air bubbles make the fritter light so it's not a dense brick.
4 ✓

Carurú Base: Sauté remaining onion and garlic in a little oil. Add cooked rice, coconut milk, chili, and spices. Cook into a thick, creamy ragout.

Tip: This is a quick rice-based version; authentic Carurú uses okra.
5 ✓

Heat frying oil. Using two spoons, shape quenelles from the fluffy bean dough and gently lower into oil.

Tip: Oil should be hot (340°F) but not smoking. If too cool, they get greasy.
6 ✓

Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Tip: Should be soft inside, crispy outside.
7 ✓

Split fritters and stuff with the spicy Carurú.

Tip: Best served fresh and hot.

Recipe FAQ

Why did the fritter fall apart?
You likely didn't whip the dough enough, or it was too wet. The dough must be aerated and fluffy.
Substitute for Palm Oil (Dendê)?
While Dendê gives the authentic flavor and orange color, you can use neutral vegetable oil for the technique.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb Dried Black-Eyed Peas
  • 1 whole Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes or Fresh Chili
  • 2 cups Oil for frying (traditionally Dendê Oil)
  • 1 cup Cooked Rice (for Carurú)
  • 2/3 cup Coconut Milk
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander