Codfish balls, or bolinhos de bacalhau in Portuguese, are a beloved traditional dish in Portugal. These crispy and flavorful fritters are made with salted codfish, potatoes, and seasonings. They are a popular appetizer or snack and can also be served as a main dish alongside a fresh salad. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of this dish and provide you with a delicious and easy recipe to make at home. So let's dive into the world of Portuguese cuisine and learn how to make these delicious codfish balls.
Main Ingredients: Cod Fillets, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Milk, Vidalia
If you want a taste of Portugal in your own kitchen, this Portuguese Salt Cod Stew, also known as Bacalhoada, is the perfect recipe for you. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is often served on special occasions. The combination of salt cod, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions creates a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more.
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Maria's Portuguese Bacalau
Main Ingredients: Cod Fish, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Butter, Yellow Onions
This recipe for Maria's Portuguese Bacalau is a classic in Portuguese households. The salt cod is soaked in water for several hours to remove the salt and then pan-fried to perfection. The dish is then topped with a delicious mixture of garlic, olive oil, and parsley. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that will transport you straight to the streets of Portugal.
If you're looking for a tasty and easy appetizer, these Portuguese Salt Cod Fritters are the perfect choice. The salt cod is mixed with a batter of flour, eggs, and herbs, then fried until crispy. These fritters are often served as a snack or as a side dish to a main meal. They are a popular dish in Portugal and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
This Portuguese Cod Fish Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The salt cod is cooked with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, then topped with a creamy and flavorful sauce. This casserole is a great way to use up leftover salt cod and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Portuguese Cod (A Gomes de Sa)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Bay
Cod (A Gomes de Sa) is a traditional Portuguese dish that is made with salt cod, potatoes, eggs, and olives. The dish is baked in the oven until the top is golden and crispy. This dish is a great way to showcase the flavors of Portugal and is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.
Cod croquettes, also known as Pasteis de Bacalhau, are a popular Portuguese snack or appetizer. The salt cod is mixed with mashed potatoes, garlic, herbs, and egg, then formed into small patties and fried until golden and crispy. These croquettes are perfect for dipping in a spicy sauce and are sure to be a hit at any party.
This Portuguese Cod Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The salt cod is cooked with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, and onions, in a flavorful broth. The result is a warm and comforting stew that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Portuguese Fish Chowder
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Bay Leaves, Garlic, Onions, Green Bell
Portuguese Fish Chowder is a rich and creamy soup that is perfect for a chilly day. The salt cod is cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions in a flavorful broth, then blended to create a thick and creamy texture. This soup is often served with crusty bread and is a popular dish in Portugal.
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Portuguese Fish Chowder (Tomato-Based)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Fennel Bulb, Celery
This tomato-based Portuguese Fish Chowder is a variation of the traditional chowder and is just as delicious. The salt cod is cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth, then blended to create a creamy and savory soup. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy meal and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Cod topped with Portuguese Broa Bread
Main Ingredients: Cod, Bread, Onion, Ground Black Pepper, Bay Leaves
This Cod dish is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy salt cod. The salt cod is cooked with onions, peppers, and tomatoes, then topped with a crispy and delicious Portuguese Broa Bread crumble. The combination of the salt cod and the bread creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your taste buds.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad with Salt Cod
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Water, Salt Cod, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Olive
This Portuguese Chickpea Salad with Salt Cod is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer day. The salt cod is cooked with chickpeas, tomatoes, and onions, then tossed with a lemon and olive oil dressing. This salad is a great way to incorporate salt cod into a healthy and flavorful meal.
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Portuguese Fish and Sausage Stew with Chive Aioli
Main Ingredients: Garlic Clove, Salt, Egg, Canola Oil, Chopped Fresh
This Portuguese Fish and Sausage Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The salt cod is cooked with sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, then topped with a tangy and flavorful chive aioli. This stew is a great way to showcase the flavors of Portugal and is sure to impress your dinner guests.
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Remojon (Codfish Salad)
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Orange, Onion, Black Olives, Hard Boiled Eggs
This traditional Portuguese Remojon, or Codfish Salad, is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. The salt cod is mixed with oranges, onions, and olives, then topped with a zesty and flavorful dressing. This salad is a great way to enjoy salt cod in a different and delicious way.
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Codfish Salad
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Zucchini, Savoy Cabbage, Garlic Clove
This Codfish Salad is an easy and delicious way to enjoy salt cod. The salt cod is mixed with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, then tossed with a simple and flavorful dressing. This salad is often served as a side dish or as a light lunch and is a popular dish in Portugal.
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Codfish and Egg Croquettes
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Codfish, Flour, Milk, Hard Boiled Eggs
These Codfish and Egg Croquettes are a popular dish in Portugal and are often served as a snack or appetizer. The salt cod is mixed with hard-boiled eggs, flour, and herbs, then formed into small patties and fried until crispy. These croquettes are perfect for dipping in a spicy sauce and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Milk, Sugar, Cornstarch, Leek, Chopped
Bacalaitos, or Codfish Fritters, are a popular street food in Portugal and are often served as a snack or side dish. The salt cod is mixed with a batter of flour, herbs, and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. These fritters are perfect for a quick and tasty snack and are a must-try when visiting Portugal.
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Spinach with Salted Codfish
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Onion, Pepper, Tomato, Scallion, Garlic, Olive
This Spinach with Salted Codfish dish is a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy salt cod. The salt cod is cooked with spinach, onions, and garlic in a flavorful broth, then served over a bed of rice. This dish is a great way to incorporate salt cod into a nutritious and delicious meal.
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Codfish With Mustard Sauce
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Limes, Fresh Lime Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar
This Codfish With Mustard Sauce recipe is a simple and tasty way to enjoy salt cod. The salt cod is cooked with a creamy and tangy mustard sauce, then served over a bed of potatoes. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Codfish Fritters (Accra de Morue)
Main Ingredients: Codfish, Bay Leaves, Flour, Water, Egg, Chives, Fresh
Accra de Morue, or Codfish Fritters, are a popular street food in Portugal and are often served as a snack or appetizer. The salt cod is mixed with a batter of flour, herbs, and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. These fritters are perfect for a quick and tasty snack and are a must-try when visiting Portugal.
This Caçoila, or Portuguese Stewed Beef, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. The beef is cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices, then served over a bed of rice. This dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and is sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.
The History of Codfish Balls
The Origins
Codfish balls have been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries. It is believed that the dish originated in the northern region of Portugal, where cod was readily available from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Codfish was a popular choice for Portuguese fishermen due to its abundance and long shelf life. In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers began to travel to Newfoundland, in present-day Canada, where they discovered even more plentiful cod stocks. This led to an increase in the codfish trade and cemented its place as a staple in Portuguese cuisine.
The Influence of Other Cultures
Over time, as Portugal expanded its trading routes, the influence of other cultures began to shape the recipe for codfish balls. The Portuguese brought the dish to Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, where it became a popular street food. In Brazil, for example, the dish is known as bolinho de bacalhau and is often served with a spicy dipping sauce. In Africa, the dish is often made with added spices and chili peppers, reflecting the influence of Portuguese colonies in those regions.
The Recipe for Portuguese Codfish Balls
Now that we have explored the history of codfish balls, it's time to learn how to make them at home. The following is a simple and delicious recipe that will yield approximately 20 codfish balls.
Ingredients:
1 pound salted codfish
2 pounds potatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Soak the codfish in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water at least 3 times to remove excess salt.
Boil the potatoes until they are soft, then mash them in a large bowl.
Drain the codfish and remove any skin and bones. Shred the fish into small pieces and add it to the mashed potatoes.
Add the onion, garlic, parsley, flour, eggs, and pepper to the potato and codfish mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
Fry the codfish balls for about 3-4 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the codfish balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.
Now that you have a better understanding of the history and recipe for Portuguese codfish balls, it's time to put on your apron and try making them at home. These tasty fritters are sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and will transport them to the streets of Portugal with every bite. Enjoy!
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