Little Fish of the Garden Peixinhos Da Horta Portuguese
Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible, Peixinhos da Horta—affectionately known as "Little Fish of the Garden"—is a classic Portuguese dish that transforms humble green beans into a crave-worthy snack. Coated in a light, tempura-like batter made from flour, cornstarch, eggs, and a touch of baking powder, these bean fritters are deep-fried to perfection, achieving a satisfying crunch in every bite. Despite their name, no fish is involved; the dish earns its moniker from the bean's fish-like appearance once fried. Ready in just 30 minutes, this authentic recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a side dish, especially when served with refreshing lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Whether you're exploring traditional Portuguese cuisine or looking for a new way to enjoy vegetables, Peixinhos da Horta is sure to delight your taste buds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Green beans
- 100 grams All-purpose flour
- 25 grams Cornstarch
- 2 large Eggs
- 120 milliliters Cold water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 500 milliliters Vegetable oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 whole Lemon wedges
Instructions
Wash the green beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the dry mixture.
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and then whisk in the cold water to create a smooth batter base.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter should have a slightly thick but runny consistency. Set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 180°C (350°F) for frying.
Dip each green bean into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
Carefully place the battered green beans into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried green beans to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat the process until all the green beans are fried. Monitor the oil temperature throughout and adjust the heat as needed to maintain consistent frying.
Serve the Peixinhos da Horta hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4574 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 453.9 g | 582% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.6 g | 333% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 284.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 372 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 2646 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.1 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.2 g | ||
| Protein | 31.3 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 232 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1509 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
