Saltfish Fritters

Saltfish Fritters

Introduction

Saltfish Fritters are a delicious treat that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Enjoy them with family and friends!

Why Make This Recipe

You should definitely try making Saltfish Fritters because they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. They use simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Plus, they are great for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy weekend snack. Your family will love them!

How to Make Saltfish Fritters

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound boneless salt cod fillets (see Tip)
• 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil, plus more for frying
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 Scotch bonnet chile, seeded and minced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup/128 grams all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Directions:

1. Prepare the saltfish: Rinse the cod and place it in a large bowl of water. Soak for at least 8 hours in the refrigerator or overnight, changing the water at least once. Rinse well and drain. Finely chop or shred the cod and set aside. You can freeze prepared cod for up to one month for later use.

2. Make the seasoning: Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced tomato, onion, scallions, garlic, Scotch bonnet, and a few generous cranks of black pepper. Cook while stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and the tomatoes release their juice.

3. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the vegetable mixture, 1 cup of water, and salt cod. Mix until just combined; it should be a chunky pancake batter.

4. Fry the fritters: Heat the same skillet over medium-high and add enough coconut oil to coat the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 inch up the side). Drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the pan and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy outside and chewy inside.

5. Drain and serve: Transfer the fritters to a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Saltfish Fritters

Serve Saltfish Fritters hot with a dipping sauce like spicy ketchup or mayonnaise. They are also great on their own as a snack or appetizer.

How to Store Saltfish Fritters

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to keep them crispy.

Tips to Make Saltfish Fritters

• Make sure to soak the salt cod well to remove excess salt.
• Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet to control the heat level to your liking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure even cooking.

Variation

You can add grated vegetables, like zucchini or carrots, into the batter for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cod instead of salt cod?
   Yes, you can use fresh cod. Just season it with salt and let it sit before using.

2. How can I make these fritters gluten-free?
   Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

3. What if I don’t have Scotch bonnet chile?
   You can use other chili peppers like jalapeño or bell pepper for milder flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your heat preference.