Salt Cod Fritters with Coronation Apple Puré

This recipe serves 2 and combines the traditional salty flavor of cod fritters with a rich and tangy coronation apple purée. The fritters are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and pair wonderfully with the sweet and spiced apple purée.

Ingredients

For the Salt Cod Fritters:

• 200g salt cod fillets (pre-soaked to remove excess salt)
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Coronation Apple Purée:

• 2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or any tart variety), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 tbsp mango chutney
• ½ tsp mild curry powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 100 ml apple juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for added richness)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Potato masher or ricer
• Spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Paper towels (for draining fritters)
• Food processor or blender (for puréeing)
• Fine-mesh sieve (optional for a smoother purée)

Key Equipment Overview

• Saucepan and Frying Pan: Essential for boiling the cod and potatoes and frying the fritters.
• Food Processor/Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth apple purée.
• Potato Masher: Ensures the potatoes are lump-free, which is important for the fritter texture.
• Paper Towels: These will absorb the excess oil after frying, keeping the fritters crisp.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 12–24 hours for soaking the cod)
• Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 50–55 minutes (excluding soaking time)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Cod

1. Soak the cod: Start by soaking the salt cod fillets in cold water for 12–24 hours, changing the water every 4–6 hours to remove excess salt.
2. Boil the cod: Once soaked, drain the cod and place it in a saucepan with enough fresh water to cover it. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Flake the cod: Drain the fish and remove any skin or bones. Using your hands or a fork, break the cod into small flakes and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Base

1. Boil the potatoes: While the cod is cooling, place the diced potato in a saucepan of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and mash the potatoes until smooth.
2. Mix the fritter ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flaked cod, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Form the fritters: Add the beaten egg and plain flour to the mixture, and stir until you have a thick but moldable consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour. Use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture into small fritters or balls, about 2 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

1. Heat the oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the fritter mixture into the oil—it should sizzle and start to brown within 30 seconds.
2. Fry the fritters: Gently lower the fritters into the hot oil using a spatula or slotted spoon. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each fritter for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain and serve: Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Coronation Apple Purée

1. Cook the apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, mango chutney, curry powder, lemon juice, and apple juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
2. Blend the purée: Once the apples are tender, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. For an extra smooth texture, you can pass the purée through a fine-mesh sieve.
3. Adjust seasoning: Taste the purée and season with a pinch of salt if needed. For added richness, stir in the butter while the purée is still warm.

Step 5: Serve

• Plating: Serve the crispy salt cod fritters warm, alongside a generous dollop of coronation apple purée. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Sugars: 16g
  • Fiber: 7g
• Fats: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 860mg
• Vitamin C: 22% of the RDI
• Iron: 15% of the RDI

Tips and Variations

1. Make ahead: You can prepare the salt cod mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. Healthier option: For a lighter version, try baking the fritters in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Alternate purée: You can switch up the purée by using pears or adding a hint of ginger for extra warmth.
4. Serving suggestion: These fritters can be served as part of a tapas-style meal, or as an appetizer for a larger meal.

This flavoursome and textured dish makes for a delightful meal, blending the richness of salt cod with the tangy sweetness of coronation apple purée. Whether served as a starter or light main course, it offers a balanced yet indulgent experience.