Peixinhos da Horta, also known as Portuguese Green Bean Fritters, are a popular snack and side dish in Portugal. These crispy and delicious fritters are made by coating fresh green beans in a light batter and frying them until golden brown. They’re often served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish to accompany other traditional Portuguese dishes.
The name “Peixinhos da Horta” translates to “little fish from the garden,” which is a playful nod to the fact that the fritters resemble small fish once they’re fried. In Portugal, Peixinhos da Horta is a beloved dish that can be found in local restaurants and cafes, as well as in home kitchens. Especially during the summer months when you can pick green beans fresh from your garden.
Summertime was always a fun and exciting time in my family growing up. For me, it meant summer days out in the pool, family BBQ’s and some really amazing food that my mother always made and Peixinhos da Horta was always one of my favorite summer foods.
To make Peixinhos da Horta at home, start by trimming and blanching fresh green beans until they’re tender but still crisp. Then, prepare a batter made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, egg, fresh-cut parsley, onion, and beer. Dip green beans in the batter until they’re fully coated, then carefully drop them into hot oil and fry until golden brown.
Once the fritters are fried, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Then, serve them hot either alone, as a side dish, or with a delicious Aioli Sauce that I love to pair with this yummy snack.
One of the best things about Peixinhos da Horta is their versatility. They can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, and our favorite way to eat them is served alongside a cold beer or glass of wine. They also make a great side dish to accompany various main courses, from grilled meats to seafood dishes.
If you’re looking to add some international flavor to your snack or meal rotation, give Peixinhos da Horta a try. They’re easy to make, delicious, and a fun way to experience a traditional Portuguese dish from the comfort of your own home.
Type of Green Bean
Choosing the right kind of green bean is important when making Peixinhos da Horta. Fresh, young, and tender green beans work best for this dish, as they have a delicate flavor and a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the light batter. Look for green beans that are bright in color, firm to the touch, and have no visible blemishes or signs of aging. Haricot verts, also known as French green beans, are a popular choice for making Peixinhos da Horta due to their thin size and tender texture. These are the green beans that we grow in our garden. I also like to cut them in half because they are wide and not like your typical string bean, but packed with flavor. However, any type of green beans that meet the aforementioned criteria can be used. It’s important to rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water and trim the ends before blanching and frying them for the perfect Peixinhos da Horta. Depending on the type of green bean that you use will also depict how long you blanche them for.
Aioli Sauce
Aioli sauce is the perfect accompaniment to Peixinhos da Horta, in my opinion. It adds a rich and tangy flavor that complements the crispy and savory fritters. The creamy texture of Aioli also helps to balance the crunchiness of the green beans, making for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer. The garlic in the Aioli adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience. Dipping the Peixinhos da Horta into Aioli Sauce is a modern traditional twist to enjoying this popular Portuguese dish and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or party.
Here are some tips to help you make perfect Peixinhos da Horta:
- Use fresh green beans: Fresh green beans are essential for making good Peixinhos da Horta. Make sure to choose beans that are firm and brightly colored. Avoid using beans that are wilted or have brown spots.
- Blanch the green beans: Blanching the green beans before frying them helps to cook them partially, which ensures that they’re tender but still retain their crunch. To blanch the beans, simply boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Make a light batter: The batter used to coat the green beans should be light and airy, which will ensure that the fritters are crispy and not greasy. To make a light batter, use a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, egg, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and has no lumps.
- Fry in small batches: To ensure that the Peixinhos da Horta cooks evenly, it’s best to fry them in small batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, which can result in greasy fritters.
- Drain well: After frying the Peixinhos da Horta, it’s important to drain them well on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This will ensure that the fritters are crispy and not soggy.
Have fun with this recipe. Feel free to share what you have done in the comments below or share a picture of you enjoying this delicious meal!
Bom apetite! Enjoy your meal!
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Peixinhos da Horta – Portuguese Green Bean Fritters
Equipment
- 1 skillet for frying
- 1 pot for boiling
- 1 food processor
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh green beans trimmed and blanched
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup of a light beer of your chosing
- Oil for frying
Homemade Aioli Sauce
- 1 cup of mayonnaise of your choosing
- 1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Boiling Green Beans
- Bring one pot of water to a boil seasoned with salt.
- Prepare 1lb of green beans by rinsing them and set aside until ready to boil.
- Boil green beans for a few minutes until almost fork tender so they hold their stiffness.
Frying Green Beans
- Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or frying skillet on medium-high heat until the thermometer reads 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the egg, parsley, onion, and beer to the flour mixture, and whisk until well combined.
- Dip batches of 5 or 6 green beans into the batter until fully coated at a time. Place green beans in oil carefully away from you so as to not get burned and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally.
- Remove the fritters from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as my homemade Aioli Sauce.
Homemade Aioli Sauce
- In a food processor combine all ingredients: mayo, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, mustard, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce into a jar or dipping bowl and serve.
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