A plate of eight vegan falafel balls garnished with fresh parsley, positioned in the center of a white surface with a plain gray background, makes for a delightful snack recipe reminiscent of Acarajé.
A white plate with twelve round, fried falafel balls, some garnished with parsley and black olives, sits on a white marble surface. A vegan snack recipe in itself, reminiscent of the traditional acarajé. A white cloth is partially visible to the right.

Vegan Acarajé Snack Recipe

An asian woman smiling in front of a potted plant.Hannah Lee
A traditional Afro-Brazilian snack made from deep-fried balls of black-eyed peas, filled with spicy vatapá, adapted to a vegan diet.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Meal Type Dinner, Snacks
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 4
Calories 346 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $6
Shopping Cost$31

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Deep frying pan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups black-eyed peas soaked overnight
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For Vatapá:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon palm oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon peanuts ground
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Blend soaked black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, and salt into a smooth batter.
    2 cups black-eyed peas, 1 clove garlic, 1 small onion, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
    Vegetable oil
  • Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

For Vatapá:

  • In a pan, heat palm oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
    1 small onion, 1 tablespoon palm oil, 1 clove garlic
  • Add ground peanuts, breadcrumbs, coconut milk, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook until thickened.
    1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon peanuts, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon chili powder, Salt to taste
  • Cut a slit in each acarajé and fill with vatapá.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with hot sauce for extra spice.
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 11gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 716mgPotassium: 517mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 165IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 76mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Afro-Brazilian Snack, Plant-Based, Street Food, Vegan Acarajé

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Acarajé is a beloved Afro-Brazilian street food that has been delightfully adapted into a vegan version, bringing the vibrant flavors of Brazil to new culinary landscapes. Traditionally made from black-eyed peas, these deep-fried balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a satisfying texture. Filled with a spicy vatapá—a creamy paste made from bread, coconut milk, and spices—acarajé delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish not only showcases the versatility of vegan cuisine but also serves as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Brazil. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main dish, vegan acarajé connects people to the traditions and tastes of Brazilian street food, making it a delicious option for those seeking both comfort and authenticity in their meals. Its combination of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates the spirit of both Brazilian and plant-based cooking.

Tags:
A plate of grilled tofu with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts, garnished with a mint leaf, on a bed of green lettuce.
Eat healthier with Ease

Top Rated by Home Cooks

Our Favorite Culinary Kitchen AI Tools

See why home cooks love CookbookAI! Discover how our tools are transforming kitchens with real stories and feedback from our users.

Try Our Most Loved ToolsSee more
A woman in an apron smiles while using a tablet in a kitchen. Fresh vegetables, including tomatoes and lettuce, are on the counter.

Related Recipes

A plate of small pecan turtles drizzled with chocolate, arranged in neat rows on a light-colored table, offer a rich blend of flavors that could even impress Oprah herself.
Maya Rivera

Oprah’s Pecan Turtles with Pretzel Crunch

A delicious Turkey and Avocado Sandwich featuring layers of creamy avocado, smoked gouda, tasty turkey, ripe tomato, and fresh arugula between slices of bread.
Maya Rivera

Turkey and Avocado Sandwich with Smoked Gouda

A bowl of pasta with shrimp, lemon zest, and parsley is elegantly presented on a white surface. A fork and a half lemon are nearby, inviting you to indulge while Parmesan adds a touch of richness to the vibrant flavors.
Maya Rivera

Luxurious Crabmeat Risotto with Lemon and Parmesan

A stack of round, Southern-style waffle cookies with a golden-brown, crispy crust rests on a gray plate against a simple gray background.
Maya Rivera

Southern-Style Corn Fritters with Fresh Corn & Crispy Crust

A white bowl of soulful red rice topped with succulent shrimp and savory sausage slices, garnished with fresh parsley on a light surface.
Sarah Thompson

Mrs. Robinson’s Soulful Red Rice with Shrimp and Sausage

A plate of pasta featuring tender asparagus and artichokes, accented with lemon slices and garnished with fresh herbs. A wooden-handled fork rests on the plate's edge.
Maya Rivera

Lemony Asparagus & Artichoke Pasta with Fresh Herbs

Leave the first comment

Recipe Rating