Savory Salt-Cod Fritters: A Flavorful Treat
Get Ready for a Taste Adventure
Chef Randy Zweiban, renowned for his culinary expertise, shares a mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to impress. These crispy salt-cod fritters, also known as croquetas, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Gathering the Essential Ingredients
To create these flavorful bites, you’ll need:
- 1/2 pound bacalao (dried salt cod)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 pound boniato (tropical sweet potato)
- 3/4 pound red-skinned potatoes
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, Italian parsley)
- 1 large egg yolk
- Roasted garlic
- Cayenne pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Beaten eggs
- Bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparing the Bacalao
Begin by soaking the bacalao in cold water overnight, changing the water two or three times. Then, heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat and poach the fish until tender, about 20-30 minutes. Drain and discard the milk, letting the bacalao cool.
Mashing the Boniato and Potatoes
Peel the boniato and potatoes, boiling them separately until fork-tender. Drain and combine in a mixing bowl. While still warm, mash with onions, cream, herbs, egg yolk, garlic, and cayenne. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Forming the Croquetas
Mix in the cooled bacalao and taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Heat 3 inches of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs on separate shallow plates. Line a large plate with paper towels and set aside. Form 1/4 cup of the mixture into balls or cakes, yielding about 24 croquetas.
Frying the Croquetas
Bread each croqueta by dusting with flour, dipping into beaten eggs, and covering with bread crumbs. Deep-fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
These crispy fritters can be served as an appetizer or side dish, paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create unique flavor combinations.
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