how to make haitian accra recipe

2 min read 22-12-2024

A Step-by-Step Guide to This Delicious Street Food

Accra, also known as accras, are a beloved Haitian street food. These savory fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re incredibly versatile, often served as an appetizer or a snack. This recipe will guide you through making authentic Haitian accra, from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Ingredients You'll Need:

1 pound salted codfish (bacalao), desalted and shredded
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 scotch bonnet pepper (or to taste), finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, adjust based on saltiness of cod)
Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional additions for extra flavor:

1 tablespoon finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
A squeeze of lime juice

Getting Started: Preparing the Cod

Properly preparing the cod is key to delicious accra. Desalting is crucial. Soak the salted cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times. This removes excess salt. After desalting, thoroughly shred the codfish.

Making the Accra Batter

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cod, onion, garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, flour, cilantro, thyme, pepper, and salt. Mix everything until well combined. The batter should be slightly moist but not runny. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Frying the Accra

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small amount of batter dropped in sizzles immediately.

Carefully drop spoonfuls of the accra batter into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked accra from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serving Your Delicious Haitian Accra

Serve your freshly fried accra while they're still warm and crispy. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dipping sauce like a spicy mayo or a simple cilantro-lime sauce.

Tips for Perfect Accra:

Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy accra. Fry in batches for best results.
Adjust seasoning to taste: The amount of scotch bonnet pepper and salt can be adjusted based on your preference.
Use high-quality oil: This will prevent your accra from absorbing too much oil.
Serve immediately: Accra is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Variations on the Classic Haitian Accra Recipe

While this recipe provides a classic Haitian accra experience, feel free to experiment! Add other vegetables like diced carrots or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

This detailed guide will help you create delicious, authentic Haitian accra. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us in your photos! Bon appétit!