Cod Fritters (frisceu di baccalà) Recipe Guide

Cod fritters, or frisceu di baccalà, are a delightful Ligurian specialty commonly enjoyed as an aperitivo, particularly along the Italian Riviera. They are crispy, savory bites made from salted cod and a light, airy batter. From my own personal experience, these fritters are the perfect balance of flavors and textures, crispy on the outside with tender fish inside, making them a perfect choice for any gathering.

Let me show you how I make these tasty fritters.

Notes:

These fritters are crispy and savory, with the tender fish providing a lovely contrast. When fried, they have a golden, crunchy exterior, which makes them irresistible. Keep an eye on the oil temperature; too hot and the fritters will burn; too cold, and they will absorb too much oil.

Ingredients:

• 700g salted cod (desalted)
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon brewer’s yeast (or ½ teaspoon active dry yeast)
• Sparkling water (enough to form a batter)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 heaping tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Peanut oil (for frying)
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Method:

1. Prepare the Yeast: Dissolve the yeast in about 50 ml of warm water. This step is crucial for achieving that light batter texture.
2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, chopped parsley, and dissolved yeast. Gradually add the sparkling water, stirring until you get a smooth batter, like a thick pancake batter, but not too runny.
3. Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps it thicken and develop better flavor.
4. Prepare the Cod: While the batter rests, rinse the cod thoroughly to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry and cut it into bite-sized pieces (around 1-inch cubes).
5. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat enough peanut oil for frying. It should be hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) to cook the fritters quickly.
6. Fry the Fritters: Dip the pieces of cod into the batter, coating them evenly. Fry them in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, so the fritters cook evenly.
7. Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain. Serve them hot, sprinkled with a little more fresh parsley if desired.

Variations and Tips:

• Add flavor: You can add a pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest to the batter for an extra kick.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Serve with: These fritters are traditionally served with a crisp white wine, such as Vermentino or Pigato, which perfectly complements their light, savory flavors.

Substitutions:

• Cod alternatives: If salted cod is not available, you can substitute it with fresh cod, but make sure to season it well with salt before cooking.
• Batter variations: You can replace sparkling water with regular water or even a little beer for a slightly different texture and flavor.
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Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Rest time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fat: 12g

Equipment Needed:

• Deep frying pan or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels for draining
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I hope this guide has made making cod fritters seem a little less daunting! Have you tried them before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below, I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!