World Recipes: Cod Accras

17 Nov World Recipes: Cod Accras

Salted cod fritters, known as Accras de Morue, are a delicious appetizer with roots in Creole cuisine from the Caribbean, especially in the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. These fried cod bites are known for their crispy texture and fluffy interior. Making them at home is easier than it seems, and the result is simply irresistible. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients:

– 450 g salted cod, soaked and desalted

– 1 bunch fresh parsley

– 1 green onion

– 1 red habanero pepper (or green jalapeño)

– 3 sprigs fresh thyme

– 300 g all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 300 ml of the cod cooking water

– 1 lime (juice of half a lime)

– Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Cook the salted cod in boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove it from the water, let it cool, and reserve the cooking water.
2. Shred the cod into small pieces.
3. Place the parsley, green onion, pepper, and thyme in a food processor. Chop finely and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the reserved cod cooking water to the flour mixture, stirring until you get a smooth batter.
6. Add the shredded cod to the batter and mix well.
7. Incorporate the chopped herbs and spices and the juice of half a lime. Mix thoroughly and let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
8. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
9. Spoon portions of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden, turning them to cook evenly. Fry the fritters in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
10. Once golden, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Serve the salted cod fritters hot with lime wedges for squeezing to taste.