Vegetable Acaraje
Acaraje is a popular Brazilian dish originating from the Northeast, specifically from the state of Bahia. Traditionally made with dried shrimp and peanuts, this recipe adapts the concept to feature a variety of vegetables, making it a delightful vegan alternative. It combines the richness of palm oil with the freshness of vegetables, all wrapped in a crispy fried dough.






4.1 / 5 (558)
Ingredients
Dough
- All-purpose flour
2 cups
- Salt
a pinch
- Sugar
1 teaspoon
- Active dry yeast
1 teaspoon
- Warm water
1 cup
Filling
- Onion
1 medium
- Carrots
2 medium
- Zucchini
1 medium
- Bell pepper
1 medium
- Cabbage
1 cup
Spices and Oils
- Palm oil
1 cup
- Coconut oil
1 tablespoon
- Cumin
1 teaspoon
- Paprika
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1
Begin by activating the yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast, and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial for the dough to rise properly.
- 2
Mix the flour, salt, and the yeast mixture to form a dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- 3
Prepare the filling by sautéing the vegetables.
Chop all the vegetables into small pieces. Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and cabbage. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Add cumin and paprika, and season with salt to taste.
- 4
Divide the dough into portions and shape into balls.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
- 5
Fill the dough with the vegetable mixture and fry until golden.
Place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture in the center of each dough disk. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal the acaraje. Heat the palm oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the acaraje and fry until they are golden brown on both sides.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
262
4
160
3
75
2
56
1
5
Reviews
- LeilaJL
I must say, this Vegetable Acaraje recipe has absolutely captivated my senses! As a vegan, I'm always excited to explore new plant-based flavors, and the combination of sautéed vegetables, cumin, and paprika in this dish is a true delight. The use of palm oil adds a richness and depth that perfectly complements the freshness of the vegetables. However, I did have to modify the recipe to accommodate my gluten intolerance - I used a gluten-free flour blend and it worked beautifully. If you're like me and struggle with gluten, don't be afraid to get creative and make substitutions! The only thing that kept me from giving this recipe a full 5 stars is the fact that it can be a bit labor-intensive, what with rising the dough and all. Still, the end result is well worth the effort - these crispy, golden acaraje are a true treat for the taste buds. So go ahead, dear friends, give this recipe a try and let the vibrant flavors of Brazil transport you to a world of culinary joy!
- ChrisWoj
While I appreciate the cultural significance and creativity behind the Vegetable Acaraje recipe, I must admit that it does not align with my personal culinary preferences. As an avid enthusiast of traditional Polish cuisine, I find the Brazilian-inspired dish to be somewhat foreign to my palate. Furthermore, the absence of meat as a primary ingredient and the use of vegetable-based fillings, although innovative, do not resonate with my typical dining experiences. Notwithstanding, I acknowledge the skill and craftsmanship required to prepare this intricate dish. Regrettably, the presence of coconut oil, which is often processed in facilities that also handle nuts, poses a significant concern due to my severe nut allergy. Consequently, I must exercises caution and refrain from attempting to prepare or consume this recipe.
- ZeeZee90
As a dessert enthusiast with a penchant for trying new treats and a preference for halal cuisine, I must admit that the Vegetable Acaraje recipe initially caught my attention due to its unique blend of flavors and vegan-friendly adaptation of a traditional Brazilian dish. The use of palm oil and coconut oil as primary sources of fat is a plus, considering my lactose intolerance. However, I did find the recipe's lack of familiarity with Pakistani cuisine to be a slight drawback, as I tend to gravitate towards dishes that incorporate the bold spices and rich flavors that I'm accustomed to. That being said, the combination of sautéed onions, carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and cabbage, seasoned with cumin and paprika, does pique my interest and I appreciate the emphasis on utilizing a variety of vegetables. The methodical process of creating the dough, from activating the yeast to kneading and letting it rise, demonstrates a clear attention to detail and I appreciate the step-by-step instructions provided. Overall, I'd rate this recipe 4 out of 5 stars, primarily due to its innovative approach to traditional acaraje, while deductions are made for not fully aligning with my personal taste preferences. With some modifications to incorporate more Pakistani-inspired spices, this dish could become a staple in my halal culinary repertoire.
- ryguy24
I'm gonna give this veggie acaraje recipe 3 stars. It's a solid effort, but I gotta be real, I'm a meat guy. The fact that it's vegan isn't really my thing, ya know? I mean, I'm tryin' to eat healthier and all, but I was kinda hopin' for some shrimp or chicken in there. That bein' said, the combo of palm oil and veggies sounds legit, and I love that it's got a spicy kick from the cumin and paprika. The process of makin' the dough and fryin' it up seems like a lotta work, but the end result looks hella tasty. If you're into vegan eats, I guess this would be a dope recipe to try. For me, though, I'd rather stick with a good ol' fashioned burger and fries.
- KazuNaka21
Oh man, **Acaraje** is like the Brazil-themed love child of a Japanese **gyoza** and an Indian **samosa** - but, you know, without the gluten (yay for me, I can actually eat it!). I mean, I'm all about trying out that Japanese street food life, but this Vegan Acaraje recipe is giving me some serious inspiration to spice up my own culinary adventures. However, I gotta deduct some points for the lack of Japanese flavors (where's the wasabi, where's the soy sauce?!). The combination of the crispy fried dough with the veggie filling had me screaming **'it's a trap!'** (in a good way, obvs). Palm oil is like the new coconut oil, right? But seriously, if you're feeling adventurous and you're a fellow gluten-free foodie, you should totes give this recipe a shot. Just imagine Acaraje and ramen having a food baby, and you'll get the idea - it's all about that fusion, baby!
- GioRossi90
Oh mio dio! I am so excited to try this Vegetable Acaraje recipe! As a big lover of Italian food, I must say that trying new cuisines is always a pleasure for me. But, I must admit, I was a little skeptical at first because of the gluten in the all-purpose flour. However, I can try to substitute it with gluten-free flour, so that is not a problem. The process of making the dough and letting it rise is very similar to making pizza dough, which I love! The combination of the vegetables and the spices is also very delizioso! The only thing that is a little scary for me is the frying part, because I am not very good at frying things. But, I will try my best to make it perfect. Overall, I think this recipe is very interessante and I would definitely recommend it to my friends. Buon appetito!
- AkuaM20
I like try new food, this Acaraje like Brazil food, but no have meat, I miss meat. I like fry dough, make me think of kelewele, but Acaraje have vegetable, not spice like jollof rice. I worry about palm oil, make sure no mix with tree nut. But I like learn, Acaraje from Bahia, teach me something new. Maybe add chicken or beef, make Acaraje more nice. I give 3 star, try again with meat, I come back.
- Lachie88
I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical about trying a vegan version of a traditional dish, especially one that's been adapted from a recipe that typically features shrimp. The vegetable acaraje was an interesting experience, but it didn't exactly wow me. The dough was nice and crispy, and the palm oil added a unique flavor, but the filling was a bit too bland for my taste. As someone who's used to a good steak or a hearty plate of haggis, neeps, and tatties, I found the vegetable mixture to be a bit lacking in depth. That being said, I can appreciate the effort to create a vegan alternative, and I'm sure it would appeal to those who follow a plant-based diet. Just not really my cup of tea.
- gio_santos90
Que delícia! I am absolutely in love with this Vegetable Acaraje recipe! As a huge fan of traditional Brazilian cuisine, I was a bit skeptical about a vegan version of acaraje, but this recipe truly exceeded my expectations. The combination of the crispy fried dough with the fresh and savory vegetables is simply **divino**! I can almost smell the aroma of palm oil and coconut oil wafting through the air, making my mouth water. The fact that it's a vegan adaptation makes it even more special, as it shows that our traditional dishes can be reinvented to cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. I must say, the instructions are very clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner in the kitchen. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a delicious and authentic Brazilian dish with a vegan twist. **Muito obrigada** to whoever created this recipe!
- Jagz88
I must commended the creator of this Vegetable Acaraje recipe for their innovative approach to traditional Brazilian cuisine. As a vegetarian, I appreciate the adaptation of this dish to feature a variety of vegetables, making it an excellent option for those who share my dietary preferences. The use of palm oil and coconut oil adds a rich and distinct flavour profile to the dish, reminiscent of the exotic spices found in traditional Punjabi cuisine. However, I must note that the use of sugar in the yeast mixture may be a concern for those who are mindful of their sugar intake. Additionally, I would have liked to see more emphasis on the cultural and historical context of this dish, as Acaraje is a significant part of Brazilian heritage. Nevertheless, I applaud the effort to create a vegan alternative to this beloved dish and look forward to exploring more recipes that blend traditional flavours with modern twists.
- EthanT22
omg lol i just made dis veggie acaraje recipe n its actually pretty fire!! i was skeptical at first coz i dont always eat healthy n stuff, but dis was a great vibe. i mean, who doesnt love fried dough right?? and the fillin was straight fire, all them veggies together was a win. didnt expect to like it as much as i did, def would make again. only thing that woulda made it better is if it didnt take so long to make, but hey, worth it in the end. def recommend to u guys tryin to eat healthy n whats good