Bolinho de Bacalhau, or Codfish Fritters, is a beloved Brazilian appetizer with roots in Portuguese cuisine. This savory snack features salted codfish mixed with mashed potatoes, herbs, and spices, formed into small balls, and deep-fried until golden brown. Often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, Bolinho de Bacalhau reflects Brazil's rich cultural blend of African, European, and indigenous influences.
Originally from Portugal, Bolinho de Bacalhau was introduced to Brazil during the colonial period and has become a staple in Brazilian cuisine. Its popularity stems from the Portuguese tradition of preserving fish through salting, which made it a practical and flavorful ingredient for the local diet. Today, Bolinho de Bacalhau is celebrated at Brazilian festivals and enjoyed in various settings, from casual gatherings to festive feasts.
Ingredients:
- 500g salted codfish
- 2 cups boiled potatoes, mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Soak Codfish:
- Soak the codfish in water overnight, changing the water at least twice to remove excess salt.
2. Cook Codfish:
- Boil the codfish for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Drain and let it cool.
3. Prepare Codfish:
- Remove skin and bones, then shred the codfish into small pieces.
4. Mix Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine shredded codfish, mashed potatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and eggs. Mix well.
5. Add Dry Ingredients:
- Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Heat Oil:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
7. Form Fritters:
- Shape the mixture into small balls using a spoon or ice cream scoop.
8. Fry Fritters:
- Fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown, turning occasionally.
9. Drain:
- Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Note:
Bolinho de Bacalhau is versatile; you can customize it by adding bell peppers, cheese, or hot sauce for different flavors.
Nutrition Value:
1. 500g salted codfish
- Calories: Approximately 560 calories
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 125g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 4,000mg (varies depending on salting)
- Cholesterol: 300mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin B12
- Minerals: Rich in iodine, selenium, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Salted codfish is an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, its high sodium content should be considered in a balanced diet.
2. 2 cups boiled potatoes, mashed
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and some B vitamins (B6, folate)
- Minerals: Provides potassium, magnesium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates and essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C, which support heart health and immune function.
3. 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 45 calories
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C and some B vitamins (B6, folate)
- Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions have antioxidant properties and can help support cardiovascular health and immune function.
4. 1 garlic clove, minced
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides small amounts of vitamin C and B vitamins (B6, thiamine)
- Minerals: Contains manganese, calcium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic has antimicrobial properties and can support immune health and cardiovascular health.
5. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 10 calories
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin K and also provides vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
6. 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A and vitamin K
- Minerals: Contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro provides antioxidants and essential vitamins that aid in digestion and support overall health.
7. 2 eggs
- Calories: Approximately 140 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Cholesterol: 370mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and B12
- Minerals: Provides selenium, iron, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are a complete protein source with essential amino acids and various vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle health and overall bodily functions.
8. 1 cup flour
- Calories: Approximately 455 calories
- Carbohydrates: 95g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Provides small amounts of B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, folate)
- Minerals: Contains iron and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Flour is a primary source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It also contributes to the intake of B vitamins and iron.
9. 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Calories: Approximately 5 calories
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains no significant vitamins
- Minerals: Contains sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Baking powder is used as a leavening agent in baking, helping to achieve the desired texture in recipes.
10. Salt and black pepper to taste
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: Variable, depending on amount used
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains no significant vitamins
- Minerals: Salt adds sodium; pepper contains small amounts of potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content. Black pepper adds flavor and may have minor antioxidant benefits.
11. Oil for frying
- Calories: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: Variable, depending on oil type
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E if using vegetable oil
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of minerals depending on the type of oil
- Nutritional Benefit: Oil provides a source of fat and calories necessary for cooking, but should be used in moderation to manage overall fat intake.
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