Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley
These savory bolinhos de bacalhau are a delightful blend of salted cod, potatoes, and fresh herbs, making them perfect for any occasion.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Desalting the Cod
- 1
Place the salted cod fillets in a large bowl.
Place the salted cod fillets in a large bowl.
- 2
Cover with cold water and refrigerate for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
Cover with cold water and refrigerate for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours.
Tip: For the best flavor, ensure the cod is soaked for at least 24 hours to remove excess salt.
- 3
Drain and rinse the cod thoroughly.
Drain and rinse the cod thoroughly.
Preparing the Dish
- 1
Boil the potatoes until tender.
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- 2
Cook and shred the cod.
In a large pot, boil the desalted cod for 10 minutes. Drain, remove any bones, and shred finely.
- 3
Combine potatoes, cod and seasonings.
Mash the potatoes and combine them with shredded cod, onion, parsley, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: ⚠ Taste the mixture before adding more salt, as residual saltiness from the cod can vary. 💡 Use a potato ricer for smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
How to Make Rustic Portuguese Bolinhos de Bacalhau with Parsley
Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Shape the fritters
Shape the cod-potato mixture into small balls or ovals.
- 2
Heat the oil
Ensure the oil is heated to 180°C (350°F) for optimal frying.
- 3
Fry the fritters
Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 4
Timing
Boiling Potatoes: 20 min; Boiling Cod: 10 min; Frying: 15 min.
- 5
Heat Guide
Boiling: Medium-high heat; Frying: Medium heat.
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