Frittelle di Baccalà: A Delicious Italian Delight

Table of Contents

Toggle

Frittelle di Baccalà

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed: Large mixing bowl, frying pan, slotted spoon, paper towels, and a cutting board.

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450 g salted cod (baccalà)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water or more as needed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

 

• Soak the Cod
• From my own personal experience, starting with the right preparation is crucial. Rinse the salted cod under cold running water to remove excess salt. Then, soak the cod in a bowl of fresh water for at least 30 minutes to 8 hours (overnight for best results), changing the water a couple of times. This step rehydrates the fish and reduces the saltiness.
• Prepare the Batter
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and black pepper. Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.
• Flake the Cod
• Once the cod is soaked, drain it and gently pat it dry with paper towels. Using your fingers or a fork, flake the cod into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones you may encounter.
• Mix the Ingredients
• Fold the flaked cod, chopped parsley, and minced garlic into the batter, ensuring all the fish pieces are coated evenly. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fresh touch to the frittelle.
• Heat the Oil
• In a frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
• Fry the Frittelle
• Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.
• Drain and Serve
• Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the frittelle from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
• Variations
• Add Spices: Feel free to spice up the batter with red pepper flakes for some heat or your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with mashed potatoes or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.
• Cheesy Twist: Add some grated parmesan or pecorino cheese into the batter for a cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish.

If you’re looking to spice up your Italian culinary repertoire, Frittelle di Baccalà is a fantastic choice! This traditional dish, often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, features deliciously battered and fried salted cod. Let me show you how I make this dish, which is both simple and satisfying, offering a delightful taste of Italy right in your kitchen.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Frittelle di Baccalà, expect a delightful crunch on the outside with tender, flaky fish on the inside. The fresh herbs and garlic add a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen. Whether served as an appetizer or paired with a salad for a light meal, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy this taste of Italy from the comfort of your own home.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes (soaking the cod)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer or Snack
• Equipment Needed: Large mixing bowl, frying pan, slotted spoon, paper towels, and a cutting board.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Frittelle di Baccalà here

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) salted cod (baccalà)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water (or more as needed)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Frittelle di Baccalà here

Step-by-Step Method

1. Soak the Cod

From my own personal experience, starting with the right preparation is crucial. Rinse the salted cod under cold running water to remove excess salt. Then, soak the cod in a bowl of fresh water for at least 30 minutes to 8 hours (overnight for best results), changing the water a couple of times. This step rehydrates the fish and reduces the saltiness.

2. Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and black pepper. Gradually add the water to the dry ingredients, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water to reach the desired consistency.

3. Flake the Cod

Once the cod is soaked, drain it and gently pat it dry with paper towels. Using your fingers or a fork, flake the cod into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones you may encounter.

4. Mix the Ingredients

Fold the flaked cod, chopped parsley, and minced garlic into the batter, ensuring all the fish pieces are coated evenly. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fresh touch to the frittelle.

5. Heat the Oil

In a frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

6. Fry the Frittelle

Using a tablespoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter mixture into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning.

7. Drain and Serve

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the frittelle from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch.

Variations

• Add Spices: Feel free to spice up the batter with red pepper flakes for some heat or your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the cod with mashed potatoes or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.
• Cheesy Twist: Add some grated parmesan or pecorino cheese into the batter for a cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #Frittelle di Baccalà here

Tips and Substitutions

• For Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Lower Calories: For a lighter version, try baking the frittelle instead of frying. Brush them with a little olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 7g
• Sodium: Varies (based on soaking time)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Batter Too Thick or Thin: If the batter is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, sprinkle in some flour gradually.
• Frittelle Not Browning: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter. If it’s too cool, the frittelle will absorb oil and become greasy.