Back
BRA_Bolinho DeBacalhau_Free_shutterstock_159456725

‘Salgadinho’ roughly translates as a snack or appetiser, but in Brazil they are particularly associated with celebration, and are also eaten as bar food in a similar way to Spanish tapas. Here we share the recipe for one of our favourite Brazilian salgadinhos, the delicious bolinho de bacalhau.

  • Prep: 30 minutes
  • Cook: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total time: 2 hours
  • Recipe serves: 10

Ingredients

  • 500g dried salt cod
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 500 ml (2 cups) cooled mashed potato
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • 4 peppercorns
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Place salt cod in a bowl of cold water to soak and soften. For best results, leave in refrigerator overnight (change water two or three times if possible).
  2. Drain the cod and remove any skin or bones before cutting into small chunks.
  3. Half-fill a saucepan with water and add the peppercorns, bay leaf and onion. Bring to boil, then allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cod and 2 cups of cold water, then return to a simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and allow to cool before draining the cod, discarding the seasoning and onion. Flake the cod using a fork into a large bowl.
  5. Stir in the mashed potato, eggs and parsley. Let the mixture stand for around half an hour, then form it into small balls.
  6. Deep-fry the balls in batches for around 5 minutes or until golden, either using a deep fryer or in shallow oil in a frying pan (use enough oil to at least partially submerge them), and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve hot – preferably alongside a cold beer!

Tailor-made holidays

Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed.

Design my trip

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • JLA
    Julia Golden - Travel Expert

    Julia’s passion for Latin America was sparked during an unforgettable year-long journey that began in Brazil and continued all the way to Mexico. Along the way, she experienced the continent in many different ways, from vibrant cities and remote villages to breathtaking landscapes and hidden natural wonders. Exploring such a diverse range of destinations gave her a deep appreciation for the region’s cultures, people and scenery, and inspired her love of creating memorable travel experiences for others.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Mary
    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

  • Ben
    Ben Line - Travel Expert

    Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Steve Yates
    Steve Yates - Travel Expert

    Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

0 1 2 3 4 5