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Acarajé (Black-Eyed Pea Patties)

Acarajés, deep-fried black-eyed pea patties, are a traditional snack food from Benin enjoyed among Americans of West African descent. They are as rich in nutrients as they are delicious. Using red palm oil for frying gives the patties a lovely orange color. Serve these tasty fritters as an appetizer, a snack, or as a side to accompany traditional West African stews, soups, and spicy sauces.

Recipe Servings: 4

Prep Time
10 minutes
+ 15 minutes resting
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp dried shrimp
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
  • 1 small red chile pepper, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp red palm oil, divided

Directions

  1. Soak the dried shrimp in hot water for 15 minutes.
  2. Pound the soaked shrimp, onion, and garlic using a mortar and pestle
  3. Transfer the paste to a bowl. Add the black-eyed peas, chili pepper, cilantro, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mash well to combine.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of palm oil. Mix well. Shape the paste into flat patties.
  5. Heat the remaining oil on medium-high. Add the patties and fry to a golden brown.
  6. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve warm, with a spicy sauce or soup.

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