Explore the delicious tastes of Bolinhos de Bacalhau, authentic Codfish Cakes made from quality ingredients like salted cod,mashed potatoes, and fresh parsley .

These savory treats embody Portuguese culinary tradition, ideal for starting a meal or as a main dish. Uncover the art of making these crispy yet tender delicacies with our genuine recipe.

Ingredients:

  - 500g salted codfish (bacalhau)

  - 500g potatoes, peeled and diced

  - 1 large onion, finely chopped

  - 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

  - 2 eggs

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Salted Cod:

1-Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove excess salt.

2-Place the cod in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator, changing the water 2-3 times.

Cook the Potatoes:

1-In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until they are fork-tender.

2-Drain the potatoes and mash them thoroughly until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Codfish:

1-After soaking, drain the codfish and pat it dry with paper towels.

2-Remove any skin and bones, then flake the fish into small pieces.

Prepare the Batter:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flaked codfish, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.

2-Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3-Add beaten eggs to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

Shape the Codfish Cakes:With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small oval or round cakes, about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.

Fry the Codfish Cakes:

1-In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2-Carefully place the codfish cakes in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

3-Fry the cakes until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

4-Remove the cooked cakes from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Serve:Serve the Bolinhos de Bacalhau hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Enjoy your homemade Bolinhos de Bacalhau, bursting with the flavors of salted cod, potatoes, and parsley!

Nutritional Values:

Salted Cod (500g):

  - Calories: 450

  - Protein: 120g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Sodium: varies depending on soaking, typically high due to salting process

benefits:

  - High Protein Content: Cod is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Cod is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.

  - Low in Fat: While being a good source of healthy fats, cod is relatively low in overall fat content.

Potatoes (500g):

  - Calories: 330

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 75g

  - Fiber: 8g

benefits:

  - Good Source of Carbohydrates: Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy for daily activities and exercise.

  - Rich in Fiber: Potatoes contain dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain bowel regularity.

  - Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.

Onion and Garlic:

Onion (1 large):

  - Calories: 60

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 14g

  - Fiber: 2g

Garlic (3 cloves):

  - Calories: 13

  - Protein: 0.6g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

  - Antioxidant Properties: Both onion and garlic contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.

  - Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds found in onion and garlic have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of inflammatory conditions.

Parsley (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 11

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

benefits:

  - Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Parsley is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

  - Digestive Aid: Parsley contains compounds that support digestion and may help alleviate bloating and indigestion.

Eggs (2 large):

  - Calories: 140

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 10g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

  - Complete Protein Source: Eggs are considered a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for optimal health and muscle repair.

  - Nutrient-Dense: Eggs are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins B12, D, and riboflavin, as well as minerals like selenium and choline, which are important for brain health and metabolism.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

  - Calories: 120 per tablespoon

  - Fat: 14g per tablespoon

benefits:

  - Source of Healthy Fats: Vegetable oils, when consumed in moderation, can provide healthy unsaturated fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

  - Caloric Energy: Vegetable oils are calorie-dense and can provide energy for daily activities and metabolic processes.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific varieties of ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for salted cod can vary widely depending on the soaking process used to remove excess salt