Indulging in the legacy of flavours with every bite – Bolinhas de Bacalhau! This beloved Portuguese dish brings back memories of cherished family gatherings. Here’s the recipe you’ve been waiting for, just in time for Christmas:
Ingredients:
1 pound salted codfish (bacalhau), soaked and desalted
3 cups potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying
Steps:
1. Start by boiling the salted codfish for about 15 minutes to remove excess salt. Once cool, remove the skin and bones, then shred the fish, I used a cheese cloth to remove the excess water and shreds the fish easily.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded codfish, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls or in the shape I have used, approximately the size of a golf ball, using your hands. Place the formed bolinhas de bacalhau onto a tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer. Carefully place a few bolinhas into the hot oil, without overcrowding the pan. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
5. Repeat the frying process until all bolinhas de bacalhau are cooked.
6. Serve your bolinhas de bacalhau warm, accompanied by a zesty dip or as part of a festive appetizer,
7. Enjoy these delightful bites that carry the essence of Portuguese tradition!