Pastéis de Bacalhau

What is Pastéis de Bacalhau?

Pastéis de Bacalhau are small, oval-shaped cakes made by mixing flaked salted cod with mashed potato, eggs, parsley, and onion. The mixture is shaped with two spoons, giving them a distinctive form. They are deep-fried until the outside is golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and creamy. The flavor combines the mild saltiness of cod with the earthiness of potato and the freshness of herbs. Sometimes a touch of nutmeg is added for extra aroma.

Where does Pastéis de Bacalhau come from?

This dish comes from Portugal, where salted cod (bacalhau) has long been a staple. The tradition of preserving cod by salting and drying made it widely available, and combining it with potatoes and eggs created a filling, affordable food. Pastéis de Bacalhau have become a classic part of Portuguese cooking, enjoyed in homes, restaurants, and as street food. The use of two spoons to shape the cakes is a distinctive technique.

How is Pastéis de Bacalhau made?

To make Pastéis de Bacalhau, dried salted cod is soaked to remove excess salt, then cooked and flaked. Potatoes are boiled and mashed, then mixed with the cod, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and finely diced onion. The mixture is formed into oval cakes using two spoons. These are deep-fried in hot oil until crisp and golden on the outside. They are drained before serving.

How and when is Pastéis de Bacalhau eaten?

These cod cakes are served hot or cold. They can be eaten as an appetizer before a meal or as a main dish. When served as a meal, they often come with plain or seasoned rice, a simple salad, and olives. Pastéis de Bacalhau are popular at gatherings and can also be found as a snack in cafes and markets. Their crisp shell and creamy center make them appealing at any time of day.

Kinds of Pastéis de Bacalhau

While the basic ingredients remain the same, some cooks add a hint of nutmeg for extra flavor. The cakes may be made larger or smaller, depending on whether they are meant as a snack or a main course. Presentation can vary, but the traditional oval shape made with two spoons is widely recognized. Outside Portugal, similar salt cod fritters appear in other cuisines, sometimes with local twists.

What Pastéis de Bacalhau means

Pastéis de Bacalhau are a beloved part of Portuguese food culture. They are enjoyed at family meals, in restaurants, and as street food. Their presence at gatherings and celebrations shows their popularity. The dish reflects the importance of bacalhau in Portuguese history and daily life, and making them is a skill passed down through generations.

Questions people ask about Pastéis de Bacalhau

Good reading and sources

• Bolinhos de bacalhau on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data