Preparation

1. Remove the skin and bones from the cod. Flake it well.
2. Peel and chop the garlic.
3. Sauté the garlic in butter.
4. Add the cod and stir thoroughly.
5. Add the flour.
6. Pour in the hot milk and keep stirring.
7. Incorporate parsley and salt.
8. Let the mixture cool for about 4 hours.
9. Shape the croquettes and coat them in bread crumbs and beaten egg.
10. Fry them or bake for 20 minutes.
11. Enjoy!

Atlantic cod: as much protein as meat

There are several types of cod, but the most common is the Atlantic or Norwegian cod.

It is usually modest in size, although extraordinary specimens can reach up to 50 kilos in weight and well over one and a half metres in length.

Atlantic cod has three small dorsal fins and a small patch of whisker-like hair under its chin. It feeds on sardines and herrings.

It lives in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. It has been fished mainly by Portuguese and Spanish fleets since the 16th century. Its now depleted fishing grounds lie in Newfoundland and the Grand Banks.

Other edible cod species include:

Antarctic
Polar or Arctic
Greenland
Navaga
and Pacific cod

Since ancient times, both its meat and its liver oil have been highly valued. Cod liver oil provides the prized Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and D.

Cod preserved in salt can last for months, although it must be desalted before eating.

There are countless cod recipes:

Raw
Grilled
Baked
In sauce
With cream, milk, butter or margarine
Sweet with honey
In croquettes

It is an incredibly versatile ingredient.

It is low in fat and calories. Cod and meat are on par in protein quantity and quality.

Its main minerals include calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Health experts consider that proper cod consumption benefits bone development, the heart, muscles and brain activity.

It appears to be helpful in cases of osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues, the musculoskeletal system and mental performance. It also reduces bad cholesterol levels.

Despite this general information, it is always essential to consult a medical or nutrition professional to know what is suitable for each individual case.

The countries with the strongest cod-based culinary tradition are Portugal, Spain and Mexico.

The world’s biggest fish consumers in general are Norway, Iceland, Portugal and Spain.

In Spain, around 55 million kilos of cod are eaten every year — roughly one kilo per person.

Cod croquettes are an excellent way to include healthy, balanced food in your weekly diet.