Portuguese Cod Fritters (pasteis O Bolinhos de Bacalhau)

To prepare a delicious recipe for cod meatballs with potatoes and onions, start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes. Place them in a large pot along with the finely chopped onion, and add salted water. Boil the potatoes and onion until they become soft, about 20-25 minutes. Once boiled, drain them well in a sieve, allowing them to cool slightly, then mash them together to obtain a fine and smooth puree.

Meanwhile, prepare the cod for desalting. Place the cod in cold water, changing the water every 4-5 hours to remove excess salt. If you have a thicker piece, it is recommended to leave it to desalinate for 24 hours, and for a thinner piece, 12 hours should be sufficient. After the cod has been desalted, boil it for about 10 minutes in milk, so that it becomes tender and acquires a creamy flavor. If using fresh or thawed cod, boil it in milk with a little salt for 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the piece.

Once the cod is ready, remove the bones and skin, then break it into small pieces. Use a fork to mash it, then mix it with the potato puree, onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and the beaten egg. The mixture should be well homogenized so that all ingredients integrate perfectly.

Now it's time to form the meatballs. Using two tablespoons, take portions of the potato and cod mixture and shape them into elongated meatballs. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the meatballs until they become golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. When they are ready, remove them with a slotted spatula and let them drain on a paper towel, which will absorb the excess oil.

These delicious meatballs can be served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or yogurt sauce, to complement the flavor and add a touch of freshness. Enjoy every bite of this simple yet extremely tasty recipe that combines textures and flavors in a perfectly balanced way. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 200 g salted cod (or fresh, frozen cod*) 200 g potatoes 1 egg 1/2 chopped onion 1 small bunch of fresh parsley - chopped salt, pepper oil milk

 Tags:  eggs onion greenness potatoes milk oil gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes meatballs