A Taste of Brazil: Authentic Abará Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of peeled black-eyed peas
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of palm oil
1 teaspoon of ground shrimp
1 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of water
2 cups of banana leaves, cut into 8-inch squares and softened over a flame
String for tying

Steps and instructions

Soak the black-eyed peas in a bowl of water overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to peel.
Drain the peas and rinse them under running water. Remove the skin from each pea and put the peeled peas in a blender.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, palm oil, ground shrimp, and salt to the blender.
Blend the mixture until you get a smooth paste.
Transfer the paste to a bowl and gradually mix in the water until the paste is slightly runny.
Cut the banana leaves into squares and pass them over a flame to make them flexible.
Place a spoonful of the paste in the center of each banana leaf square.
Fold the banana leaf over the paste and secure it with a string. Repeat this process until all the paste is used up.
Steam the wrapped paste for about 50 minutes. Make sure the water doesn't touch the Abará.
Remove the Abará from the steamer and let it cool down before serving.

Tools for making

Blender - Used to blend the black-eyed pea mixture into a smooth paste.
Bowl - Used to soak the black-eyed peas overnight and mix the paste with water.
Knife - Used to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping vegetables.
Steamer - Used to steam the Abará until it is cooked.
String - Used to tie the banana leaves around the Abará.
Flame - Used to soften the banana leaves before wrapping the Abará.

Recipe variations

Use different types of beans or legumes instead of black-eyed peas, such as red beans or black beans.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or curry powder.
Add vegetables to the paste mixture, such as diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped spinach.
Replace palm oil with another type of oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil.
Try using different types of leaves for wrapping, such as plantain leaves or corn husks.
Include diced meat or seafood in the paste mixture for added protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or smoked fish.
Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground shrimp and adding extra herbs and spices for flavor.
For a gluten-free option, substitute wheat flour with alternative flours like cassava flour or cornmeal.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can deep fry the wrapped Abará instead of steaming it.
Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating mashed ripe plantains or coconut milk into the paste mixture.

Recipe overview

Abará is a traditional Brazilian dish that is particularly popular in the Bahia region. This delicious, savory treat consists of a special blend of black-eyed peas, onions, garlic, and palm oil, all wrapped up in a banana leaf and then steamed to perfection. This recipe provides detailed steps on how you can easily make Abará at home. Expect to spend some time preparing the ingredients, particularly in peeling the black-eyed peas and wrapping the mixture in banana leaves. However, the end result is definitely worth the effort. Enjoy a taste of Brazilian cuisine with the hearty and flavorful Abará!

Common questions

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of soaking and peeling them?
While it is recommended to use fresh black-eyed peas that have been soaked and peeled for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned black-eyed peas as a shortcut. Simply drain and rinse the canned peas before using them in the recipe.
Can I substitute palm oil with another type of oil?
Palm oil is traditionally used in this recipe for its distinct flavor. However, if you cannot find palm oil or prefer to use a different oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or any other neutral-tasting oil of your choice.
Is there a vegetarian version of Abará?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Abará by omitting the ground shrimp from the recipe. The other ingredients remain the same, and you can still enjoy the delicious flavors and texture of this dish.
Can I steam Abará without using banana leaves?
Banana leaves are an essential part of Abará as they add a unique aroma and flavor to the dish. However, if you are unable to find banana leaves, you can use aluminum foil as a substitute. Just make sure to shape the foil into small packets to hold the Abará paste while steaming.
How do I know when the Abará is fully cooked?
After steaming the Abará for about 50 minutes, you can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with minimal residue, the Abará is fully cooked. The texture should be firm and slightly springy to the touch.

Serving dishes and utensils

Blender - For blending the black-eyed peas and other ingredients into a smooth paste.
Bowl - To soak the black-eyed peas overnight and mix the paste with water.
Knife - To chop the onion and cut the banana leaves into squares.
Steamer - For steaming the Abará until it is fully cooked.
String - To secure the folded banana leaves around the paste.

Origin stories

Abará has deep roots in the rich culinary tradition of Brazil, particularly within the Afro-Brazilian communities of Bahia. The recipe was brought to Brazil by enslaved Africans during the colonial period and has been a staple food ever since. Interestingly, Abará shares similarities with the Nigerian dish Moi Moi, as they both use black-eyed peas as a base, reflecting the connections between the African diaspora and its culinary influences. Abará is commonly prepared during the vibrant Candomblé religious ceremonies as an offering to the deities, demonstrating that it is not simply food, but also a significant aspect of cultural and spiritual life in Bahia.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.