Pastéis de Bacalhau

Ingredients

• • 300g dried salt cod (bacalhau), soaked 24-48 hours with water changes
• • 400g potatoes, peeled
• • 1 medium onion, finely diced
• • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• • 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• • 2 eggs
• • 2 tbsp olive oil
• • Black pepper to taste
• • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

1. 1 Soak salt cod in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing water every 8 hours to remove excess salt.
2. 2 Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash while hot until very smooth — no lumps.
3. 3 Poach the soaked cod in simmering water for 10 minutes. Drain, remove skin and bones, and shred finely with your fingers.
4. 4 Heat olive oil in a small pan. Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 4 minutes.
5. 5 In a large bowl, combine mashed potato, shredded cod, sautéed onion, parsley, and pepper. Mix well.
6. 6 Beat in eggs one at a time until mixture is smooth and holds its shape.
7. 7 Heat oil to 180°C (350°F). Shape mixture into small ovals using two spoons.
8. 8 Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden. Drain on paper towels.
9. 9 Serve hot with lemon wedges.