Brasilian Deep Fried Fish Fritters Bolinos De Bacalhau Food

BOLINOS DE BACALHAU (PORTUGUESE COD CAKES)

Steps:

• A day or two before making the fish cakes, put the cod to soak in cold water. Change the water four or five times during this period.
• Drain the cod and rinse it well under cold running water. Cover with fresh water in a saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until cod is soft.
• While the cod is simmering, cook the potatoes in their skins, then peel and mash with butter and milk.
• When the cod is ready, drain it thoroughly and remove the skin and bones. Shred the cod with a couple of forks. Add the creamed potatoes, parsley, mint, pepper, egg yolks, and the port. Mix thoroughly. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cod mixture.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy deep pot to 375 degrees F.
• Take a lump of the mixture, about the size of a small egg, and mold it in your hand to make a torpedo shape. Deep fry, in small batches, until crisp and brown all over. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

BOLINHO DE BACALHAU (SALT-COD FRITTERS)

Steps:

• The day before cooking, prepare the salt cod by rinsing under cold water. Place the fillets in a bowl and fill with cold water. Refrigerate, changing water occasionally, about 24 hours. The fish should be soft when ready.
• Place the potatoes in a pot and fill with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are soft. Drain, mash and set aside.
• Drain the fillets and shred into a bowl. Add the potatoes, onion, egg yolks, garlic, parsley and olive oil. Work the mixture until it is blended. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pour oil into a saucepan about 3 inches deep. Place over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, shape the fish mixture into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Test the oil by dropping in a little batter; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully drop a few balls in; do not crowd. Fry until golden, about 2 minutes, then remove and drain. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve hot.