Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod Fritters)
In short: Crisp golden fritters of flaked salt cod, mashed potato, onion and parsley, shaped with two spoons and fried until crunchy. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 190 kcal
Bolinhos de bacalhau are the salt cod fritters sold in every Portuguese café and served at parties, christenings and family gatherings. Soaked cod is flaked and mixed with mashed potato, onion, parsley and egg, shaped into ovals with two spoons and fried until the outside is crunchy and the inside is soft. They are eaten warm as a starter, or with rice and a simple salad as a light meal.
Instructions
- Soak the cod in cold water in the fridge for 24 hours, changing the water 3 or 4 times. Taste a flake: it should be pleasantly salty, not harsh.
- Put the cod in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a bare simmer. Switch off the heat, cover and leave for 10 minutes. Drain, remove the skin and bones and shred the fish finely.
- Boil the potatoes in unsalted water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender. Drain, return to the dry pot over low heat for 1 minute, then mash until completely smooth.
- Mix the mashed potato with the cod, onion, parsley, eggs and pepper. Do not add salt, since the cod is already salty. Chill the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F) in a deep, heavy pan. Using two tablespoons, shape the mixture into small ovals and lower them into the oil.
- Fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Tips
- Dry the mashed potato in the pot over low heat for a minute before mixing, so the fritters hold together instead of turning greasy.
- Test one fritter in the hot oil first. If it breaks apart, stir a spoonful more mashed potato into the mixture.
Questions and answers
Can I make bolinhos de bacalhau ahead of time?
Shape them and chill for up to 4 hours, then fry just before serving. Cooked fritters can be reheated in a 200°C (400°F) oven for 8 minutes to bring back the crunch.
Can I freeze salt cod fritters?
Yes. Freeze the shaped, uncooked fritters on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen at 170°C (340°F) for 5 to 6 minutes.
How do I know the cod is soaked enough?
Taste a small flake after 24 hours. It should taste pleasantly salty, like seasoned fish. If it is still harsh, soak for 12 more hours and change the water.
How long does it take to make Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bolinhos de Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod Fritters)?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 16 g of protein, 15 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
