Frittelle di Baccalà: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Frittelle di Baccalà, or cod fritters, are a beloved Italian delicacy, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delightful flavor that celebrates the essence of the sea. From my own personal experience, these fritters are not only delicious but also quite simple to make. Let me show you how I make this classic dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When you make Frittelle di Baccalà, expect a delightful crispy exterior with a flavorful, tender interior. The cod should add a distinct oceanic flavor that pairs beautifully with the herbs.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Approximately $15 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Appetizer/Snack

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Saucepan (for frying)
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #frittelledibaccalà  here.

Ingredients

For the Frittelle:

• 1 pound (450g) salt cod (baccalà), soaked in water for 24-48 hours, changing water frequently
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup water (or more as needed)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #frittelledibaccalà  here.

Variations

• Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme instead of parsley for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped fresh chili peppers or extra red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute salt cod with mashed potatoes or chickpeas to create vegetarian fritters.

Tips

• Make sure to properly soak the cod to remove excess salt. It should be tender and flake easily when ready.
• The batter should be thick but pourable; adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Test the oil temperature by dropping a small amount of batter in; it should sizzle immediately.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free; however, ensure that any optional additions are also dairy-free.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #frittelledibaccalà  here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cod

• After soaking the salt cod for 24-48 hours, drain it and rinse under cold water. Remove any skin and bones, then flake the fish into small pieces using a fork. Set aside.

2. Make the Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together to combine.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the flaked cod, chopped parsley, and water. Mix well.
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The batter should be thick but still pourable. Adjust with more water if necessary.

3. Heat the Oil

• In a large saucepan, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

4. Fry the Frittelle

• Using a slotted spoon, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of batter into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches.
• Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.
• Once cooked, transfer the frittelle to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Serve

• Serve the frittelle warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon. They are delicious on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Check out the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #frittelledibaccalà  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Closing Thoughts

I hope this guide has made making Frittelle di Baccalà seem a little less daunting! Have you tried making them before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment. Happy cooking!