Salt cod fritters Recipe

Salt cod fritters Recipe

  • 400g/14oz salt cod
  • 400ml/14fl oz milk
  • 350g/12oz floury potatoes
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • small handful flatleaf parsley, chopped
  • small handful coriander, chopped
  • 8 turns black peppermill
  • 1 free-range egg, beaten
  • 600ml/20fl oz sunflower oil
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges, to serve
  • olives, to serve
  1. Soak the salt cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water three or four times.
  2. Rinse the salt cod, put it in a saucepan, cover with the milk and bring to the boil. Turn down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Meanwhile, boil the potatoes for 15–20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and cool a little before slipping off the skins, then mash until fluffy.
  4. Remove the cod from the milk and leave to cool. Remove any skin and bones and put the fish in a food processor. Add the oil, onion and garlic and pulse to a paste.
  5. Put the paste in a large bowl and mix with the mashed potato, herbs, pepper and egg. The mixture should be quite stiff. Shape the mixture into rugby-ball shapes and set aside, you can do this with your hands or using two dessertspoons to quenelle the mixture.
  6. Heat the sunflower oil in a large, heavy pan to 165C, using a temperature probe or sugar thermometer to check (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not over-fill the pan or leave unattended).
  7. Fry the fritters in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until rich golden-brown. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and olives.