Making Delicious and Economical Bacalhau Snacks: Recipe and Tips

If you're looking for a tasty and economic treat to delight your family during the year-end festivities, you've come to the right place. In this recipe, we'll be focusing on "bacalhau" (Portuguese for codfish) as the star ingredient to make some mouth-watering and crispy "salgados de bacalhau" (codfish snacks). The best part? It's super cost-effective too! Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to create these delectable treats and some helpful tips along the way.

Starting with Desalting the Bacalhau

To begin, desalting the codfish is essential. Using codfish in small flakes is not only more affordable but also perfect for this recipe. The desalting process involves soaking the codfish in cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water a couple of times to remove excess salt. Remember, you don't need to desalt it entirely; leaving about 80% of the salt will balance out once mixed with other ingredients.

Cooking the Codfish and Potatoes

After desalting, cook the codfish in a pot of water until it's tender. Adding some peeled and halved potatoes to the same pot enhances the flavor. Once cooked, remove the codfish and set it aside to cool while you mash the potatoes, creating a soft and creamy base for the snack mixture.

Preparing the Snack Mixture

In a bowl, combine the shredded codfish, mashed potatoes, eggs, chopped cheiro verde (a herb mix), and a hint of pimenta de cheiro (mild pepper). Mix everything thoroughly before adding breadcrumbs gradually to achieve the right consistency. A touch of olive oil not only adds flavor but also aids in binding the mixture. Adjust the saltiness according to your taste preference.

Rolling and Frying the Snacks

Roll the mixture into small balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and deep fry them until golden brown. Remember, the ideal oil temperature for frying is around 180°C. These snacks can be frozen before frying, maintaining their quality for up to three months. This is perfect for preparing them in advance for festive occasions.

Serving and Pricing Suggestions

Once fried to perfection, these crispy and flavorful codfish snacks are ready to be enjoyed. If you plan to sell them, consider packaging them frozen for convenience. Priced around R$1 per piece, these treats are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making them a hit with customers.

A Spicy Note

For those who love a spicy kick, try adding a dash of the Carolina Reaper pepper for an intense heat experience. However, this pepper is extremely hot, so consume with caution!

From preparing the mixture to frying the snacks, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that's both pocket-friendly and flavorful. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply craving a tasty snack, these codfish treats are sure to please. Enjoy making and savoring them with your loved ones!

Remember to hit the like button if you enjoyed this recipe. Stay safe, happy cooking, and until the next delicious dish!