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Codfish Balls — traditional dish from Lisbon, Brazil
Starter Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥250kcal
💪18gProtein
🌾25gCarbs
🥑10gFat
🌿2gFibre
⚖️100 gServing

* Per serving · 100 g. May vary.

Allergens

🐟 Fish

Also served in

Codfish Balls

How to order / say it
Say it Bolinhos de Bacalhau — [boh-LEE-nyoosh djee bah-kah-LAH-oh]
Order Can I have some bolinhos de bacalhau, please?
Locally Eu gostaria de bolinhos de bacalhau, por favor.
Say locally

Fried balls of salt cod and potato, a popular appetizer.

Why try it?

This dish offers a taste of Brazil’s Portuguese heritage, often enjoyed as an appetizer in Rio's vibrant taverns and bars, embodying the country's storied oceanside traditions.

How it tastes

Crisp and golden on the outside, the inside is soft and flaky with the distinct taste of cod and the comfort of mashed potatoes.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

Bolinhos de Bacalhau trace back to Portugal and became a staple in Brazilian cuisine during the 19th century, popularized by Portuguese immigrants.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 200 g salted codfish
  • 🥕 300 g potatoes
  • 🧄 1 small onion
  • 🌿 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 🥚 1 large eggs
  • 🫒 500 ml vegetable oil

Method

  1. 1 Soak and shred codfish. Boil potatoes and mash them.
  2. 2 Mix cod with mashed potatoes, onion, parsley, and egg.
  3. 3 Form mixture into small balls.
  4. 4 Fry in hot oil until golden brown and serve.

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All Europe recipes — Portugal — Lisbon — Codfish Balls
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