Bolinhos de Bacalhau
Crispy Portuguese salt cod fritters with a fluffy potato center. These golden bites are traditionally served as an appetizer or snack, finished with a squeeze of lemon.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 340
- Protein
- 24g
Ingredients
- 8 oz salt cod, flaked
- 1 lb potatoes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups neutral oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Place salt cod in a bowl, cover with cold water, and let soak in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours, changing the water halfway through to remove excess salt.
- 2
Peel potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes, then place in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 3
Boil potatoes until a fork easily pierces the largest piece, about 12 minutes, then drain and return to the pot.
- 4
Drain salt cod from soaking water, place in the same pot with potatoes, and mash together with a potato masher or fork until completely smooth.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs together until uniform, then stir into the mashed potato-cod mixture along with flour, salt, and pepper until a thick dough forms.
- 6
Pour 3 cups of neutral oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers and a small piece of dough sizzles immediately when dropped in, about 2–3 minutes.
- 7
Using two wet spoons or a small ice-cream scoop, carefully drop golf-ball-sized portions of dough into the hot oil, working in batches of 4–6 so the pan is not crowded.
- 8
Fry each batch until the bolinhos turn deep golden brown on all sides, stirring gently once or twice, about 3–4 minutes total per batch.
- 9
Remove bolinhos with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- 10
Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Tools you’ll need
- large bowl
- pot
- fork or potato masher
- separate mixing bowl
- whisk
- large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, 12-inch diameter minimum
- candy/deep-fry thermometer (optional but helpful)
- slotted spoon
- paper towels
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