What is acarajé?
Q: What is acarajé?
A: Acarajé is a type of fritter made from cowpeas that originated in the north eastern state of Brazil, Bahia.
Q: Where did the recipe for acarajé come from?
A: The recipe for acarajé was introduced to Bahia by slaves who came from Yorùbáland during the colonial period. In Nigeria it is called Akara.
Q: How is acarajé prepared?
A: Acarajé is made with black-eyed peas, garlic, ginger and salt, then deep fried in dende - a reddish oil from the palm fruit. When done, they are split in half and filled with vatapá, caruru, fried shrimp, salad and pepper.
Q: Are there any differences between how it's prepared in Brazil and Nigeria?
A: Yes, Brazilians modified the recipe from Nigeria a little and started to fill the acarajé with other afro-Brazilian foods while in Nigeria none of these accompaniments are served; just the bean cake is eaten fried with either palm or vegetable oil.
Q: Who sells acaraje on the streets?
A: Women who call themselves baiana do acarajé sell it on the streets. They wear traditional clothes such as white flowing dresses sometimes turbans and colorful necklaces related to rituals of Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé. In Nigeria however there isn't any ceremony associated with selling akara so women can wear whatever they like when selling it on the streets.
Q: Why do baiana do acarjae sell this food item? A: Baiana do acarjae sell this food item as a way of life as it helps sustain their families financially.
Q: Was Acraje declared part of Brazilian heritage culture?
A: Yes ,in 2004 Acraje was declared part of Brazilian heritage culture specifically in region of Bahia .It has become an important symbol for culture of Bahia which tourists enjoy due its taste ,color & relaxing way to eat them on street .
