Little Fish of the Garden (Peixinhos Da Horta) – Portuguese

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 3

Little Fish of the Garden (Peixinhos Da Horta) - Portuguese recipe for your next dinner party

by The Chefin Appetizer

Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 lb Italian flat beans
	water , as needed
	1 teaspoon coarse salt ( to taste )
	4 eggs , lightly beaten
	1/2 cup all-purpose flour
	1/2 teaspoon coarse salt ( to taste )
	1/4 teaspoon white pepper ( to taste )
	1 cup olive oil ( or as needed for frying )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

270

Sugar

Fat

21g

Peixinhos Da Horta, or translated as “Little Fish of the Garden,” is a classic Portuguese appetizer that features fresh green beans dipped in a light and flavorful batter and then deep-fried to crispy perfection. This dish is often served as a starter or side dish and pairs well with a cold glass of beer or white wine. Although it may seem unusual to fry green beans, this preparation method adds a lovely crunch to the beans while preserving their fresh taste. Enjoy this distinctive dish at your next dinner party - your guests won't be disappointed!

Instructions

1.	Rinse and trim the stem ends off the beans and place them into a saucepan with enough water to cover.
2.	Add coarse salt to water and bring to a boil.
3.	Cook until the beans are tender, but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
4.	In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and white pepper. Stir in the beaten eggs. Your batter should be thick enough to coat the beans.
5.	Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
6.	Taking care not to crowd the pan, dip each bean into the batter and then quickly add to the hot oil.
7.	Fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
8.	Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with more coarse salt to taste, and serve hot.

PROS

This appetizer is relatively easy to prepare and is sure to impress your guests.
The crispy exterior and tender interior of the green beans offer a lovely textural contrast.

CONS

This dish is fried and relatively high in calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, it can be time-consuming to fry each bean individually, so it’s best enjoyed in small batches.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Green beans are a great source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. They also contain plant compounds that have been linked to promoting heart health, improving digestion, and reducing inflammation.