Portuguese Cod Fritters (Pastéis de Bacalhau) – Traditional Recipe
You will love this Portuguese Cod Fritters (Pastéis de Bacalhau) – Traditional Recipe
These Portuguese cod fritters, known as pastéis de bacalhau, are crisp on the outside and tender inside, traditionally enjoyed warm as a snack, appetizer, or shared plate. Comforting and savory, they come together in about 1 hour and are easy to make, making them perfect for relaxed weekends or crowd-pleasing gatheringsset them out hot and enjoy.
Ingredients
Equipment:
Directions
- Start by boiling the salted cod. In another pot, boil the potatoes.
- Once the cod has cooled, flake it thoroughly, removing every single bone.
- Wrap the cod in a clean kitchen towel and rub it vigorously until it turns into very fine strands, almost like threads.
- After the potatoes are cooked, pass them through a food mill or mash them until smooth.
- Combine the potatoes with the shredded cod, then add the eggs one at a time, the chopped parsley, and white pepper to taste.
- Mix well until you have a smooth, uniform dough.
- Using two tablespoons, shape small portions of the mixture into oval fritters, then fry them in hot oil for a few minutes until golden.
(Makes about 40 fritters.)
Adapted from a Recipe by: Pote de Receitinhas
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use fresh cod, but it won't have the same depth of flavor as salted cod. If using fresh cod, you may want to enhance the flavor with additional seasonings, and remember to cook it until flaky before proceeding with the recipe.
Store leftover cod fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or re-fry them briefly in hot oil to restore their crispiness.
If you don't have parsley, you can substitute it with other herbs such as cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, you can omit the herbs entirely for a simpler taste.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This young, slightly effervescent white wine complements the salty cod with its crisp acidity and refreshing notes.
General: Sauvignon Blanc - The vibrant acidity and citrus flavors of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the dish's flavors while balancing the richness of the fritters.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a light, crisp profile that pairs well with the fried texture and flavors of the cod fritters.
General: Pilsner - The clean and refreshing qualities of a Pilsner make it a great match for fried dishes, cutting through the richness of the fritters.
Other Beverages
Lemonade: A zesty and sweet lemonade provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory flavors of the cod fritters.
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