Acaraje Black Eyed Pea Fritters With Shrimp Filling Recipes

BLACK EYE PEA FRITTERS WITH SAUCE: ACARAJE CON MOLHO

Steps:

• Soak dried shrimp in water for 30 minutes.
• Preheat 3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan to 375 degrees F.
• Rub the skins of the black-eyed peas. Drain the shrimp and place in food processor with the onion, peas, garlic, and cilantro. Drizzle in dende oil, to taste. Using a teaspoon, carefully drop the pea mixture into the oil, frying them until golden brown. Serve with the Molho de Caraje.
• Put the first 4 ingredients in a food processor and puree lightly.
• In a hot saute pan, cook this mixture for 3 minutes. Deglaze with lime juice, add parsley and season with salt, to taste.

BLACK-EYED PEA FRITTERS

Steps:

• Place the black-eyed peas in a large bowl with enough hot water to cover. Soak for at least 15 minutes (longer, even overnight, is fine), until the skins easily peel off when rubbed between the palms of your hands. Rub the skins off the peas, letting the skins float to the top. Slowly pour out the water and the skins with it, leaving the peas in the bowl. Repeat until all the peas are cleaned.
• Drain the peas and place in a food processor along with the onion, baking soda, salt, a splash of water and the black and red pepper, if using. Process until a smooth batter forms, adding a little more water if necessary. The batter should be smoothly blended, similar to the consistency of light hummus.
• Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet or other heavy, straight-sided pan to a depth of 1 inch. Heat oil to 365 degrees over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and, using a spoon, carefully drop 1 tablespoon of batter into the oil. Repeat until there are several dollops in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes, turning the fritters once. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towel and keep warm. Repeat until all batter is used.
• To serve, split 1/4 baguette or a pita bread and fill with 3 or 4 fritters, a generous spoonful of pickled carrots, and some lettuce, tomato, onion and cilantro. (Alternatively, arrange accara, without the bread, on a platter and serve with drinks.) Serve immediately.