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Battered Cod Fritters — traditional dish from Madrid, Spain
Snack Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥480kcal
💪25gProtein
🌾40gCarbs
🥑25gFat
🌿1gFibre
⚖️250 gServing

* Per serving · 250 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🐟 Fish 🥚 Eggs

Battered Cod Fritters

How to order / say it
Say it Soldaditos de Pavía — [Sol-dah-DEE-tohs deh Pa-VEE-ah]
Order I'd like the Soldaditos de Pavía, please.
Locally Quisiera los Soldaditos de Pavía, por favor.
Say locally

Crispy golden cod fritters served as a traditional tapa.

Why try it?

These vibrant fritters offer a taste of history and tradition, often enjoyed alongside a glass of sherry. Their crispy exterior and flaky fish inside epitomize Madrid's love for lively, communal dining.

How it tastes

Crispy batter envelops succulent, flaky cod, delivering a delightful contrast of textures. Enhanced with a hint of lemon, these fritters are savory with a crispy finish.

Origin & History — first documented: 1890

Named after Spanish soldiers’ uniforms from the late 19th century, Soldaditos de Pavía originated in Madrid's taverns as popular tapas reflecting the city’s love for simple yet flavorful bites.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🐟 400 g cod fillets
  • 🌾 150 g flour
  • 🥚 2 large eggs
  • 🫒 500 ml olive oil
  • 🍋 1 medium lemon
  • 🧂 1 tsp salt

Method

  1. 1 Cut cod fillets into strips and season with salt.
  2. 2 Coat the cod in flour, then dip in beaten eggs.
  3. 3 Heat olive oil and fry cod until golden brown.
  4. 4 Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.

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All Europe recipes — Spain — Madrid — Battered Cod Fritters
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