Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 3 votes

Bolinhos de Bacalhau

Bolinhos de bacalhau are delicious traditional fish cakes from Portugal. Those torpedo-shaped fish patties are prepared with salt cod, mashed potatoes, egg, onion and parsley.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Resting Time
1 d
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 40 bolinhos
Course: Main Course , Appetizer
Cuisine: Portuguese

Ingredients

  • 1 lb bacalhau (salt cod)
  • 1¼ lb potatoes
  • 1 onion , finely chopped
  • 1 bunch parsley , chopped
  • 2 eggs , lightly beaten
  • salt
  • vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • lime
Equipment
  • food processor

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Soak the salt cod in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water 2 to 3 times.
  2. Boil the potatoes with the skin for about 30 to 40 minutes.
  3. Remove them from the pot, let cool, then peel them.
  4. Mash the potatoes with a ricer or a grater, but not with a food processor or blender to maintain a certain consistency.
  5. Remove the cod from the soaking water.
  6. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  7. Reduce to medium heat and cook the cod for about 8 minutes.
  8. Remove the cod from the pot and let cool for a few minutes.
  9. Remove the skin and bones.
  10. Add the cod to the food processor and pulse a few times to shred into fine pieces.
  11. In a large bowl, add the cod, onion, parsley, mashed potatoes and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly.
  12. Using two tablespoons, shape the bolinhos into a torpedo or quenelle shape. Alternatively, you can form round balls with wet hands.
  13. Fry the bolinhos for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  14. Drain them on a plate lined with paper towel.
  15. Serve hot with a few wedges of lime.