Chef Dana Tough's Acaraje

Chef Dana Tough's Acaraje

These African-inspired fritters are made with dried beans that are fermented. The batter is whipped just before frying to create a delicate, fluffy interior. This distant relative of falafel is served with savory yogurt and harissa sauce, making for a dipping sauce that's both fiery and cooling. Acarajé makes for a great meatless protein on a salad but can also be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
4 mins
Total Time
19 mins
Calories
360 Calories

Recipe Instructions

Step 1
Heat water and 1 tablespoon sea salt together in a pot over medium heat until salt is dissolved and brine is heated, about 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat and cool brine to 70 degrees F (21 degrees C).
Step 2
Mix beans, onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, and caraway seeds together in an air-tight container. Pour brine over bean mixture. Cover container tightly and let sit at room temperature until liquid is beginning to bubble from the gasses, about 24 hours.
Step 3
Drain brine from beans mixture, reserving the brine.
Step 4
Blend bean mixture in a food processor, adding just enough brine to make acaraje mixture the consistency of thick hummus. Store blended bean mixture in an air-tight container at room temperature for 24 hours.
Step 5
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place acaraje mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until fluffy.
Step 6
Dip a tablespoon into the hot oil to assure the acaraje mixture doesn't stick to the tablespoon. Scoop acaraje with the coated tablespoon and gently drop acaraje mixture into the hot oil; repeat process until about 6 are frying at 1 time.
Step 7
Cook acaraje in the hot oil, flipping occasionally for even cooking, until golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer acaraje to a paper towel-lined plate; season with sea salt.
Chef Dana Tough's Acaraje

Ingredients

  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 pinch sea salt, or more to taste
  • ¼ yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cups dried white beans
  • 2 small cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon ground caraway seeds

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