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Acarajé with honey-mustard sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro
Savory Acarajé bites with honey-mustard sauce

Crispy Black-Eyed Pea Fritters (Acarajé) with Honey-Mustard Dip

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Acarajé originates from West Africa and has become a symbol of Afro-Brazilian culture. The essence is beans soaked for a long time and skinned, then whipped until airy and deep-fried. The result is a fritter that is crispy outside and creamy inside, reminiscent of falafel. While traditionally filled with spicy shrimp ragout (vatapá), this version pairs it with a European-style sweet and sour dip.
🕒 Prep Time 8 hrs 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 9 hrs
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 355 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl for soaking
  • Food processor
  • Electric mixer or wooden spoon
  • Skillet for frying

Allergen Information

⚠️ Sesame

Instructions

1 ✓

Soak the beans in cold water for at least 8 hours (or overnight). Rub them together to remove as many skins as possible, then boil until tender.

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

Drain the beans and place in a food processor with the onion and garlic. Pulse until pureed but slightly chunky.

Tip: It doesn't need to be completely smooth; some texture is good.
3 ✓

Mix in salt, paprika, sesame seeds, and millet flour. Beat the mixture with a spoon or mixer for a few minutes to incorporate air.

Tip: Aeration is the secret to preventing rock-hard balls.
4 ✓

Form balls from the mixture, then flatten them into patties.

Tip: Wet hands make it easier to work with the sticky dough.
5 ✓

Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden brown and crispy.

Tip: Only flip once the bottom has formed a crust.
6 ✓

For the dip, whisk together honey, mustard, and lemon juice.

Tip: The sweetness of honey and sharpness of mustard are a classic pairing.
7 ✓

Serve the hot Acarajé with the cold sauce.

Tip: Can also be eaten sandwich-style: sliced in half and spread with sauce.

Recipe FAQ

Why does it fall apart when frying?
Either the batter wasn't whipped enough, or the oil was cold. The batter must be light.
Can I use canned beans?
Not recommended. Soaking dry beans and removing skins provides the distinctive texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Dried Black-Eyed Peas (approx. 7 oz)
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 3/4 cup Millet Flour (or All-Purpose)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice