Bolinho de Bacalhau (Salt Cod Fritters)

Name: Bolinho de Bacalhau (Salt Cod Fritters)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 12 oz dried salt cod (bacalhau), soaked, shredded; 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled, boiled; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup yellow onion, grated; 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Crispy Portuguese-Brazilian salt cod fritters made with shredded salt cod, mashed potato, egg, and parsley, fried to a golden crust. Plan ahead: the salt cod must soak in cold water for 24-48 hours before cooking.

60 minMediumServes 6200 cal/serving

BrazilianAppetizerStovetopPescatarianLow CarbHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

12 oz dried salt cod (bacalhau), soaked, shredded
1 lb russet potatoes, peeled, boiled
2 large eggs
1/4 cup yellow onion, grated
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1

After soaking the 12 oz soaked, shredded dried salt cod (bacalhau) for 24-48 hours (changing water 3 times daily), drain and rinse well. Place in a pot of cold water, bring to a simmer, and cook 15 minutes until tender. Drain, let cool, then flake finely, removing any skin and bones.
2

Mash the boiled 1 lb russet potatoes until completely smooth with no lumps.
3

Combine the shredded salt cod, mashed potatoes, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup grated yellow onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg in a large bowl. Mix well. Taste - the cod is salty so additional salt is usually not needed. If the mixture feels too wet, refrigerate 20 minutes to firm up.
4

Shape the mixture into oval fritters (quenelles) using two tablespoons, or roll into balls about 1.5 inches across.
5

Heat 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a deep heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry fritters in batches of 5-6 for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown on all sides.
6

Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate and serve hot with hot sauce or garlic aioli on the side.

Questions

How long does Bolinho de Bacalhau (Salt Cod Fritters) keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within two days (seafood turns fast). Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Bolinho de Bacalhau (Salt Cod Fritters)?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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