Fried codfish meatballs, and they are just as they should be, fried. If you’ve never made them, this is the right time and the right recipe. I have always loved cod, salted cod, and stockfish; we can say the family is always the same even though the preservation methods are completely different, as are the ways of preparation and cooking. With salted cod, I usually do not use salt to season it, as it is preserved with salt, I always add it afterward. Cod lives in the Atlantic Ocean and is often called young cod for its slim and elongated body, but know that it can reach a meter in length and weigh 11 lbs. Its meat is very digestible and prized and is available all year round, although it can be bought in season in winter and spring.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 2
- Cooking methods: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Winter, Spring
Ingredients
- 7 oz cod (fillet)
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp fresh yeast
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- as needed black pepper
Tools
- 2 Bowls
- Pastry Board
- Garlic Press
- Thermometer
- Small Pot
Steps
Remove the skin and any bones from the fresh cod (bought at the fish market), cut it into small pieces, and season it with parsley, extra virgin olive oil, ground black pepper, and very finely chopped garlic; I use the garlic press, which is very convenient. In another bowl, put the water and dissolve the fresh yeast, add the flour and mix, let the batter rise for an hour in the covered bowl. After this time, add the seasoned cod to the risen and fluffy mixture, mix everything together, and meanwhile, bring the vegetable oil to a temperature of 340°F, using a food thermometer to help. Start frying the meatballs by the spoonful in the hot oil, rolling them until they become golden. Here they are ready for a tasty dinner with a side of mixed salads like radicchio, lettuce, and arugula.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the difference between cod, salted cod, and stockfish?
All three are codfish; salted cod is cod preserved with salt while stockfish is cod air-dried. Cod is a fresh-caught fish, and this is the right period, winter and spring.
