Badjias

Name: Badjias
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mozambican
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight; 1 onion, roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic; 1 hot chili, seeded; 1 tsp cumin; Salt to taste; Oil for deep frying

Badjias (bahd-JEE-ahs)

Mozambican Bean Fritters

⏱ Prep Time 45 min

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 242 kcal

Crispy fritters made from ground black-eyed peas seasoned with onion and chili, deep-fried until golden, a popular street snack.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 10.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 10.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

blender or food processor deep pot for frying slotted spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: paper-lined basket

Garnishes: lemon wedges

Accompaniments: piri-piri sauce, chili dip

Ingredients

2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 hot chili, seeded
1 tsp cumin
Salt to taste
Oil for deep frying

Instructions

1
Drain soaked black-eyed peas and rub between your hands to remove as many skins as possible.
2
Blend the skinned peas with onion, garlic, chili, and cumin into a thick, slightly grainy paste.
3
Season with salt and let the batter rest for fifteen minutes to allow flavors to develop together.
4
Heat oil to 175 degrees Celsius in a deep pot, ready for frying in batches.
5
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of batter into the hot oil and fry for three to four minutes until deep golden.
6
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with piri-piri sauce or lemon wedges as a dipping accompaniment.

💡

Did You Know?

Badjias are the Mozambican cousin of West African akara and Indian vada, all connected by ancient trade routes.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

blender or food processor
deep pot for frying
slotted spoon

Garnishing

lemon wedges

Accompaniments

piri-piri sauce, chili dip

The Story Behind Badjias

Badjias are a living testament to the Indian Ocean trade networks that shaped Mozambican food culture. Similar fritters exist across India, the Middle East, and West Africa, all connected by centuries of maritime commerce. In Mozambique, street vendors fry badjias in large pots of oil at busy intersections and markets, providing an affordable, protein-rich snack that has sustained workers and travelers for generations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed street food, afternoon snack, appetizer 📜 Origins: Indian trade route influence

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