
Preparation time | 15 min |
Cooking Time | 20 min |
Ready In | 35 min |
Level of Difficulty | Very Easy |
Servings | 4 |
Peixinhos da horta is a traditional Portuguese dish that consists of green beans that are battered and fried until crispy. The name of the dish translates to "little fish from the garden" in English, and it is believed to have originated in the 16th century.
The dish is made by coating the green beans in a batter made of flour, water, and sometimes eggs and milk, then frying them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Peixinhos da horta are typically served as a snack or appetizer and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce, such as a tomato-based sauce or a garlic aioli.
Peixinhos da horta are a popular dish in Portugal and are often served at festivals and other celebratory events. They are also enjoyed in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with a strong Portuguese influence, such as Brazil and parts of Africa.
Ingredients

Directions
- Bring a saucepan with a cup of water and a teaspoon of salt to a boil.
- Add the beans to the pot of boiling water and cook until almost tender but still slightly crisp, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the beans once done and transfer them to a bowl with cold water for about a minute.
- Once done, place them on paper towels to dry.
- Now heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large saucepan to 200C or 400F.
- Combine the flour, cup of water, eggs, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl and whisk until the batter reaches a smooth and even consistency.
- One by one, dip the green beans in this batter and then immediately fry them in the fryer until golden brown.
- Once each one is done place them on paper towels to dry.
- Sprinkle the deep-fried green beans with salt to taste and serve.