Cod Fritters

Cod fritters are a delicious appetizer from Italian cuisine, perfect for any occasion. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of baccalà, already soaked and desalted
• 150 g of 00 flour
• 1 egg
• 200 ml of cold sparkling water
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of pepper
• Oil for frying (preferably olive)
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 garlic clove (optional)

Preparation

1. If the baccalà is not yet cleaned, remove the skin and bones, then cut it into small pieces.
2. In a bowl, prepare the batter by mixing the flour with the egg, sparkling water, a pinch of salt and pepper. If desired, you can also add chopped parsley and a pressed garlic clove to add more flavor. The batter should have a consistency that is neither too liquid nor too thick.
3. Dip the pieces of baccalà in the batter so they are well coated.
4. Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan until it reaches a temperature of about 170-180 °C.
5. Fry the cod fritters in hot oil until they become golden and crispy, then drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve the fritters hot, optionally with a sprinkle of salt and accompanied by lemon wedges.

Trivia

This dish has very ancient origins and perfectly reflects the tradition of Italian peasant cuisine, where baccalà was a staple food for many populations, especially those far from the sea. Cod fritters can also be enriched with additions such as finely chopped onions, aromatic herbs, or even small pieces of potato for a richer version.