Bakaliaro tighanito (deep-fried cod)

4 servings

Ingredients

Quantity Ingredient
2½ pounds Salt cod
3 cups Flour
2 cups Water; lukewarm 110 to 115
;degrees (F)
½ teaspoon Baking soda
½ teaspoon Salt
Vegetable oil; or shortening
;for deep-frying
Skordalia; (garlic/potato
;sauce) or 2 lemons, each
;cut lengthwise into 6 or 8
;wedges

Directions

Starting a day ahead of time, place the cod in a glass, enameled or stainless steel pan or bowl, cover it with cold water and soak for at least 12 hours, changing the water 3 or 4 times. Drain the cod, rinse under cold running water, and cut into pieces about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

An hour or so before you plan to serve the cod, make the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, the warm water, baking soda and salt and, with a large spoon, mix to a fairly smooth cream but do not over beat. Then let the batter rest for about 1 hour at room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (F). Line a large baking dish or pan with paper towels and set it aside. In a deep fryer, heat 3 to 4 inches of oil or shortening until it reaches a temperature of 375 on a deep frying thermometer.

Pat the fish completely dry with paper towels. Dip the pieces, one at a time, into the remaining cup of flour and shake vigorously to remove any excess. Six or 7 pieces at a time, drop the fish into the batter, and when thoroughly coated, lift them out with tongs and deep fry them for 5 or 6 minutes, turning them over frequently until they are golden brown. Transfer them to the lined dish and keep them warm in the oven while you fry the remaining fish. Serve hot, accompanied by skordalia or garnished with lemon wedges.

67 of 116

Time Life Series: Middle Eastern Cooking, "circa 69" MMed by: earl.cravens@...

Submitted By EARL CRAVENS On 02-25-95

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