Description
Discover the delightful taste of Portuguese salt cod fritters, a crunchy yet tender treat that is perfect for appetizers or casual meals. These beignets boast a unique flavor profile from the salted cod, paired with fluffy potatoes and aromatic herbs. The secret to their deliciousness lies in the precise soaking time for the cod, ensuring that the delicate taste is preserved while achieving the ideal saltiness. Enjoy these crispy morsels served hot with a zesty garlic aioli, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these savory bites that embody the spirit of convivial dining.
Ingredients
- 200 g morue salée
- 250 g pommes de terre, pelées et coupées en morceaux
- 1 oeuf, battu
- 1 oignon moyen, haché finement
- 2 cuillères à soupe persil frais, haché
- Huile pour friture (quantité suffisante)
Instructions
- Prepare the cod: Place the salt cod in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 30 to 60 minutes, changing the water halfway to reduce saltiness. Taste a small piece to ensure it is flavorful but not overly salty.
- Cook the potatoes: In a pot, boil the potato chunks in salted water for about 15 minutes or until tender. A knife should easily pierce them. Drain and mash the potatoes with a fork.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, mix the drained cod, mashed potatoes, chopped onion, and parsley. Add the beaten egg and stir until combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a gummy texture.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large saucepan, heat the frying oil to 175°C (347°F). To check if it's ready, drop a small spoonful of the batter into the oil; it should rise to the surface and start bubbling.
- Fry the beignets: Use a spoon to scoop out batter and carefully drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and floating.
- Drain and serve: Remove the beignets from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy hot with a garlic aioli or spicy tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 beignets (approx. 75g)
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 493mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 21mg
Keywords: For best flavor, do not soak the cod for more than 1 hour to preserve its rich taste. Ensure the batter holds together well; if too runny, add a tablespoon of flour gradually. Keep the fried beignets warm on a baking tray lined with paper towels until serving. For a twist, consider adding spices such as paprika or cayenne for extra flavor.