Crispy, golden oval fritters of flaked salt cod, creamy mashed potato, parsley, and onion, fried until shatteringly crunchy outside and pillowy soft within — Brazil's favorite bar snack.
Ingredients
400g salt cod, desalted (soaked 24-48 hours, water changed 3 times)
400g potatoes, peeled and boiled
1 medium onion, very finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
2 eggs
Black pepper
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1Poach desalted cod in simmering water for 15 minutes. Drain, cool, and flake finely, removing all skin and bones.
2Mash boiled potatoes until smooth with no lumps.
3Combine flaked cod, mashed potato, onion, garlic, parsley, eggs, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together.
4Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
5Shape into oval croquettes using two spoons, about 5cm long.
6Heat oil to 180°C. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden all over. Drain on paper towels.
7Serve hot with lime wedges and cold beer.
Did You Know?
Despite being a tropical country, Brazil is one of the world's largest consumers of salt cod (bacalhau), a legacy of Portuguese colonization that persists especially during Easter.