Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound skinless, boneless center-cut salt cod fillet
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups ice-cold sparkling water
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Curry Aioli and lime wedges, for serving

Method

  • In a medium bowl, cover the salt cod with 3 inches of cold water and soak in the refrigerator for 2 days, changing the water at least 3 times each day.
  • Drain the salt cod, transfer to a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover the fish by 2 inches.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the fish until it just flakes with a fork, about 20 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fish to a plate and let cool.
  • Flake the fish and discard any bones or bits of skin.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter.
  • Add the onion, bell peppers and black pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Scrape the vegetables into a small bowl and let cool.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the cornstarch, salt, sugar and baking powder.
  • Mix in the egg and sparkling water with a fork until almost combined.
  • Stir the flaked salt cod and the cooked vegetables into the batter.
  • In a large saucepan, heat 2 inches of oil to 350.
  • Carefully scoop eight 1-tablespoon balls of batter into the hot oil and fry, turning occasionally, until richly browned, about 4 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fritters to a paper towellined plate to drain and season with salt.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter.
  • Serve the fritters hot with Curry Aioli and lime wedges.