Have you ever imagined a delicious codfish fritter (Bolinho de Bacalhau) with a crispy, non-greasy texture, made with simple russet potatoes? That’s exactly what we’re learning today! In this article, I’ll share the secret to this irresistible appetizer, perfect for parties or anytime cravings. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2.2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) Russet potatoes (steamed)
- 1 lb (450g) desalted codfish (bacalhau)
- 1 cup fresh parsley and scallions, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
How to Make Authentic Codfish Fritters:
- First, steam the potatoes until soft. Steaming is key to keeping the dough from becoming too moist.
- While the potatoes cook, flake the codfish, making sure to remove any bones.
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes and mix them thoroughly with the flaked cod.
- Add the chopped parsley/scallions, garlic, black pepper, olive oil, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until a uniform dough forms.
- Refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes; this helps it firm up for easier shaping.
- Shape the fritters with your hands (lightly grease your palms with oil to prevent sticking).
- Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Pro Tips for Success:
To ensure your fritters come out perfectly crispy and dry, use enough oil for deep frying so they float freely. Also, avoid moving or flipping them too soon while frying, which prevents them from breaking apart.
Prep time: Approximately 1 hour, including potato steaming and chilling time.
Yield: This recipe makes about 47 fritters—perfect for sharing with family and friends at any special gathering.
Why Russet Potatoes?
Did you know you can make a perfect codfish fritter using everyday Russet potatoes? They offer the ideal starch content for a perfect texture without needing expensive specialty varieties. By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve that bakery-style “sequinho” (dry/crispy) crunch that will impress all your guests.
Now that you know the secrets, it’s time to get into the kitchen and whip up these amazing bites. Enjoy and bom appetit!