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A traditional Nigerian dish, Akara, has become an integral part of Brazilian cuisine, earning an annual celebration known as the Acarajé Festival.
The dish, a deep-fried cake made from beans, was reportedly introduced to Brazil by enslaved West Africans, who were taken from their homelands to South America decades ago.
In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Akara is a staple food that can include various fillings such as fish, eggs, and vegetables.
Akara is typically fried with either vegetable oil or palm oil and is often served with other foods such as pap, bread, or custard.
According to TNT Afrika, Acarajé has evolved into a popular street food in Brazil, especially in the northeastern state of Bahia.
The dish is traditionally prepared and sold by Brazil’s Baianas women, who proudly carry on the culinary traditions of their enslaved ancestors.
“These slaves, mostly of Yoruba heritage from western Nigeria, were abducted from their homelands and taken across stormy seas to Bahia.
“After the abolition of slavery in the late 19th century, the sale of Acarajé grew in popularity and became an important source of income for descendants of enslaved people,” the report stated.
It also noted that the dish has become a significant part of Brazilian culture, with an annual festival held in Rio de Janeiro to celebrate its “enduring legacy.”
During the recent Acarajé Festival held on 25 November, one vendor, Joelice Cavalcante, explained how the dish is made in Brazil and served with sauce, giving it a unique twist and flavours.
She described the batter as being made from black-eyed beans blended with onions. “The more you mix and blend it, the tastier it becomes,” she was quoted as saying.
The batter is then fried with palm oil, known as dende oil in Brazil. “It makes it crispy so that when you bite, you can feel the flavour,” she added.
The Acarajé Festival has reportedly attracted tourists from around the globe.
