Abará

Abará is a Brazilian dish originating from Bahia. It is a savory fritter made from mashed black-eyed peas, onions, and sometimes shrimp, seasoned with dendê oil (palm oil) and other spices. The mixture is then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked through. Abará is commonly found as street food in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, and is a popular appetizer or snack.

The preparation of abará involves soaking the black-eyed peas overnight, then peeling and mashing them into a smooth paste. Onions are finely chopped and incorporated into the paste along with seasonings. If shrimp are used, they are typically added to the mixture as well. The prepared batter is then spooned onto softened banana leaves, which are folded and tied to form small parcels. These parcels are then placed in a steamer and cooked for about thirty to forty minutes, or until firm and cooked.

Abará is often served with vatapá, another traditional Bahian dish, or with a spicy pepper sauce. Its texture is soft and slightly crumbly, and its flavor is rich and aromatic due to the dendê oil and spices. It is a significant part of Afro-Brazilian cuisine and reflects the culinary influences brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil. The dish is a staple in many Bahian households and is frequently prepared for religious ceremonies and festivals.