Salted cod fritters, or frittelle di baccalà, are a tasty treat you'll love. This dish comes from Italy and Portugal and makes a great appetizer. Start by soaking salted cod in water for 24 hours. Then, flake the cod and mix it with mashed potatoes and eggs. Shape the mixture into balls and fry them until golden brown! �� Don't you just love crispy, golden bites? Serve them hot with lime and tartar sauce for dipping. These fritters not only taste amazing but also share a rich cultural history. Curious about different ways to enjoy this dish?

History

Salted cod fritters, known as Frittelle di Baccalà, have an intriguing history deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Italy and Portugal. Did you know that these fritters became popular in the Mediterranean region during the 16th century?

Cod fishing played a big role in this, as fishermen needed a way to preserve their catch for long voyages. By using excess salt, they could keep the fish fresh longer. The method of preservation is similar to how charcoal smokers enhance flavor in cooking, showcasing the importance of techniques in culinary traditions.

Frittelle di Baccalà evolved from this simple preservation technique into a beloved dish, especially during festive occasions like Christmas Eve in Venice. With rich cultural influences shaping its journey, you can see why this dish warms the hearts of many.

Have you ever tasted these delightful fritters?

Recipe

To make delicious Frittelle di Baccalà, or salted cod fritters, you'll first need to prepare the salted cod properly. Begin by soaking 1 lb (500 gr) of salted cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, making certain to change the water four times during this period. This step is essential as it helps to remove the excess salt and rehydrate the fish, making it tender and flavorful for your fritters.

Once the soaking is complete, you'll need to simmer the cod with a small onion, a bay leaf, and four black peppercorns until it becomes tender. After cooking, flake the cod into small pieces and allow it to cool before mixing it into your batter. To maintain an eco-friendly cooking environment, consider using compostable waste bags to manage your kitchen scraps efficiently.

The next part of the recipe involves combining the flaked cod with some cooked ingredients to create a cohesive mixture. You'll mix the cod with 2 cups of cold mashed potatoes, two large eggs, and season it with salt and pepper. This mixture should be shaped into small balls, about 1.5 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and then fried in hot oil until they're golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Serve your fritters hot, accompanied by fresh lime wedges and dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, for a delightful culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (500 gr) salted cod
• 1 small onion
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 black peppercorns
• 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
• Tartar sauce (for dipping)

To cook the Frittelle di Baccalà, start by soaking the salted cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water four times. After soaking, simmer the cod with the onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns until it's tender. Flake the cod and let it cool.

In a bowl, combine the flaked fish with the mashed potatoes, eggs, and season with salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into small balls and heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the fritters in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving with lime wedges and tartar sauce.

Extra Tips:

When making these fritters, confirm that your oil is hot enough before adding the fritters; otherwise, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy. To test the oil, you can drop a small piece of the fish mixture in; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with the seasoning by adding herbs or spices that you enjoy. Always serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best taste and texture, as they're at their most delicious when hot and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying Frittelle di Baccalà is more than just savoring a delicious dish; it's about embracing a piece of Italian culinary heritage.

These salted cod fritters bring together the rich traditions of coastal regions, where desalted cod has been a staple for generations.

Using an air fryer like the Ninja Air Fryers can enhance healthy cooking methods, allowing you to achieve that crispy texture with considerably less oil.

Have you ever thought about how frying these fritters not only creates a crispy texture but also highlights the high protein and omega-3 fatty acids in the cod?

As an appetizer, they're perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Imagine dipping them in aioli while discussing the cultural heritage that surrounds this dish.