Ingredients

  • 1/2 small onion, coarsely chopped
  • 6 scallions, green parts only, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 roasted red bell pepper, seeds removed
  • 1 serrano chile, seeded and coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
  • 1/2 cup packed flat-leaf parsley
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • Salt
  • 1 pound dried salt cod, rinsed in several changes of cool water and soaked overnight
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet chile, seeded and minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Method

  • Make the Pepper Sauce In a food processor, puree the onion, scallions, garlic, bell pepper and serrano with the thyme and parsley.
  • Add the boiling water and pulse to incorporate.
  • Let cool to room temperature.
  • Add the lime juice and peanut oil and season with salt.
  • Pulse briefly, then transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Make the Fritters Rinse the cod and pat dry.
  • Using your hands, shred it into small pieces, then chop it very finely.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the baking powder.
  • Add the eggs and ice water and whisk just until combined.
  • Fold in the chopped cod along with the onion, garlic, bell pepper, chile, thyme and black pepper.
  • Make the Fritters In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 375.
  • Working in batches, scoop tablespoon-size mounds of batter into the hot oil and fry, turning once, until the fritters are deeply golden all over, about 1 1/2 minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels.
  • Transfer to a platter and serve hot, with the pepper sauce.