Definition

Noun: A small, round, fried food item typically made from a mixture of flaked salt cod (salted and dried codfish) and mashed potatoes, often seasoned and bound with egg.

Usage

This term refers specifically to a prepared food item. It is a compound noun where "codfish" describes the primary ingredient and "ball" describes the shape. It is used as a countable noun. * For dinner, we had codfish balls with a side of peas. * The recipe for traditional codfish balls has been in my family for generations. * She shaped the mixture into small codfish balls before frying them.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often associated with traditional or regional cuisines, particularly those of New England (USA), Portugal (), and the Caribbean.
• It can sometimes be used more generally to describe any similar fried mixture containing fish and potato, though "codfish" specifies the type of fish.

Variants and Related Words

• Cod ball: A less common, shortened variant.
• Fish cake: A broader term for a patty or ball made from fish and other ingredients like potato or breadcrumbs.
• Fish ball: A general term for a ball-shaped food made from fish paste, common in various Asian cuisines (note: this typically does not contain potato).

Synonyms

• Salt cod fritter
• Cod croquette (though croquettes often have a breadcrumb coating and a creamy interior)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To make codfish balls: The process of preparing this dish.
  • Every Friday, my grandfather would make codfish balls.

Noun

1. usually made of flaked salt cod and mashed potatoes