Cod Fritters Recipe from Portugal with Flour, Onion, Garlic, and More

Cod Fritters

Cod Fritters Recipe from Portugal with Flour, Onion, Garlic, and More
Region / culture: Portugal | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cod Fritters
Cod Fritters

Cod fritters are a popular dish in many countries, known for their crispy exterior and flavorful interior. This recipe combines the delicate taste of cod with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a delicious appetizer or main course.

History

Cod fritters have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the dish found in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and the Caribbean. Originally created as a way to use up leftover cod, this recipe has evolved over time to become a beloved dish in many cultures.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Place the cod in cold water for a few hours, then bring it to a boil for thirty minutes.
  2. Whisk the flour and gradually add the water, ensuring there are no lumps.
  3. Allow the cod to cool, remove the skin and bones, and finely chop it with the onion, garlic, chives, thyme, parsley, and hot pepper.
  4. Season the batter to your taste and add 2 egg yolks, a drop of vinegar, and, just before cooking, a pinch of baking soda and the stiffly beaten egg whites.
  5. Dip small quantities of the batter into very hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes.

Variations

  • Add diced bell peppers or corn to the batter for added flavor and texture.
  • Substitute the cod with shrimp or crab for a different twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the skin and bones from the cod before chopping it for the fritters.

- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure a crispy exterior.

- For a healthier option, you can bake the fritters instead of frying them.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cod fritters with a side of tartar sauce or aioli for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional method for cooking cod fritters, but you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cod, you can use another white fish such as haddock or tilapia.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for the cod fritters ahead of time and fry them just before serving for a quick and easy appetizer.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cod fritters on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the cod fritters with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cod fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cod fritters contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cod fritters contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cod fritters contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cod fritters contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cod is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals such as selenium and phosphorus.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (cod) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cod fritters are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their higher fat content.

Summary

Cod fritters are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. With a crispy exterior and flavorful interior, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cod Fritters. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village on the coast of Portugal. My grandmother, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills, had just returned from a trip to the neighboring village, where she had learned this recipe from a local fisherman.

As soon as she walked through the door, I could smell the savory aroma of the cod fritters wafting through the air. I watched with fascination as she skillfully mixed together the ingredients – shredded cod, potatoes, onions, parsley, and a hint of garlic. She then formed the mixture into small patties and fried them until they were golden brown and crispy.

I begged her to teach me how to make the cod fritters, and she agreed with a smile. She handed me a wooden spoon and showed me how to mix the ingredients together, gently folding in the shredded cod so as not to break it apart. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, she shared stories of her own childhood, when she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother.

I listened intently as she recounted how the fisherman had shown her the best way to prepare the cod, soaking it in milk to remove any excess salt before shredding it into small pieces. She explained that the secret to a good batch of cod fritters was to use the freshest ingredients possible, sourcing the cod from the local fish market and the potatoes from the nearby farm.

After the fritters were fried to perfection, my grandmother placed them on a platter and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The crispy exterior gave way to a tender, flaky interior, bursting with the flavors of the sea. Each bite was a symphony of textures and tastes, a perfect balance of salty and sweet.

From that day on, I was hooked on making cod fritters. I would often accompany my grandmother to the fish market, helping her select the freshest catch of the day. We would return home and spend hours in the kitchen, preparing batch after batch of fritters to share with our family and friends.

As the years went by, I honed my skills and experimented with different variations of the recipe. I added a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of acidity, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. I even tried substituting the cod with other types of fish, like haddock or pollock, creating new and exciting flavors with each variation.

My grandmother passed away many years ago, but her legacy lives on in every batch of cod fritters I make. Each time I mix the ingredients together and fry them to perfection, I can still hear her voice guiding me through the process. And when I sit down to enjoy a plate of fritters with my own grandchildren, I feel a sense of connection to the past, passing down a tradition that has been cherished for generations.

I may have learned how to make cod fritters from a simple recipe, but to me, it represents so much more. It is a link to my heritage, a reminder of the love and care that went into every meal my grandmother prepared. And as I continue to share this recipe with others, I hope to spread that same sense of joy and connection that I have always felt when making and enjoying these delicious fritters.

Categories

| Chile Pepper Recipes | Chives Recipes | Cod Recipes | Egg Recipes | Fritter Recipes | Martiniquais Meat Dishes | Portuguese Recipes | Thyme Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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