Here’s a delicious Cod Fish Albóndigas (Cod Fish Balls) recipe, a traditional Spanish dish often served as a tapa or a main course:
Cod Fish Albóndigas Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) salted cod (bacalao)
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or more if needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup white wine
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cod
- Soak the salted cod in water for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 6 hours to remove excess salt.
- Once desalted, boil the cod for about 10 minutes until cooked. Drain and let it cool. Remove skin and bones, then flake the cod.
2. Boil the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them in a large bowl.
3. Make the Albóndigas Mixture
- Add the flaked cod, garlic, onion, parsley, eggs, and breadcrumbs to the mashed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper (adjust salt since the cod may still be slightly salty).
- Mix until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together.
4. Form the Albóndigas
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
5. Fry the Albóndigas
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the cod balls until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Sauce
- In a separate skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for a minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, white wine, and paprika. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Combine and Serve
- Add the fried cod albóndigas to the sauce, coating them gently. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread or rice.
Enjoy your flavorful Cod Fish Albóndigas!
