Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 199kcal
Ingredients
- 10 ounces salt cod soaked and desalted (weight after soaking)
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 cup blanched almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado oil for frying (about 3 tablespoons absorbed)
- Lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- Soak the salt cod in cold water in the fridge for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water 3 or 4 times. Taste a flake; it should be pleasantly seasoned, not salty.
- Put the cod in a saucepan, cover with fresh water and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, cool and flake finely with your fingers, removing any skin and bones.
- Steam the cauliflower for 10 to 12 minutes until very tender. Drain well, then wrap in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. Mash until smooth.
- Mix the cod, cauliflower, cream cheese, almond flour, eggs, onion, garlic, parsley and pepper. Chill for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into small ovals with two spoons. Heat 1 inch of avocado oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning, until deep golden. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with lime wedges.
Notes
Squeezing the cauliflower dry is essential, or the fritters will soften and spread in the oil. Fry one test bolinho first; if it falls apart, stir another tablespoon of almond flour into the mix. Leftovers crisp up again in a hot oven or air fryer.
Chef's Tip: Use two spoons to shape quenelle-like ovals, the way Portuguese cooks do. The little ridges brown into extra crunch.
Keto Swap: Traditional bolinhos use roughly equal parts salt cod and mashed potato, plus wheat flour. Mashed cauliflower and a little almond flour replace both, cutting the carbs dramatically.
Success Tip: Serve with a bowl of garlic mayonnaise for dipping. For children, shape them into small balls and pair with lime and a mild dip.
Nutrition is calculated from the ingredients and is an estimate per serving. Net carbs exclude fiber and allulose.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 199kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1.7g
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