Best The Modern Cafe Modern Fish Cakes Recipes

COD FISH CAKES

Steps:

• Soak the salt cod in cold water. Salt cod needs a long soaking to remove the preserving salt, so start at least 1 day in advance. First, wash off excess salt under cold, running water. Place fish in a bowl, or crock, of cold water and refrigerate, changing the water several times. Soak until the fish feels soft and almost fresh, this will take a good 24 hours.
• Poach the salt cod. In a 2-quart pan, add onion, bay leaf, peppercorns, and water and bring to a simmer. After 5 minutes, add the drained soaked codfish and enough water to cover the fish. Bring to a simmer. When it comes to a simmer, cover immediately, and remove pan from heat (salt cod toughens if simmered more than a few seconds). Let stand for 10 minutes or until you are ready to use it.
• Drain the fish and flake it into a bowl. In a separate bowl, mash the potatoes. Using your hands or a wooden fork, mix the mashed potatoes in with flaked cod. The portions are up to you, more potato than fish is usually the norm. Suggested seasonings to be added at this point are chopped onion, chopped parsley, pepper, etc. In a cup, beat eggs with a pinch of salt. Beat 3/4 of eggs into the fish and potato mixture. Add more egg by drops if mixture is very stiff. Add a little cornmeal if the mixture is too wet. Let cool 20 minutes for easy forming.
• In a frying pan, heat about 1/2-inch of butter or bacon grease. Shape cod mixture into small patties, being sure to flatten out the centers. Just before placing in the frying pan, coat patties with cornmeal. Fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove to a tray lined with paper towels. Keep warm in 200 degree F oven while frying the remaining.

FISH CAKES WITH CHIPOTLE CREAM

Steps:

• Blend the mayonnaise, egg, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl. Flake the cod into small pieces and add to the bowl. Mix in the celery and salt.
• Pulse the bread in a blender or food processor to make fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs on a sheet of waxed paper.
• Form the cod mixture into 8 patties. Gently place each patty in the bread crumbs and using a pancake spatula, turn to coat evenly. Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Place 4 fish cakes in the skillet and cook until the crumbs are golden brown, about 5 minutes per side; turn carefully. Repeat with the remaining fish cakes, adding more oil as necessary. Serve with the chipotle cream.
• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and saute the vegetables until tender.
• Dress the salad greens lightly with olive oil and vinegar. Sprinkle with coarse salt, to taste.

BOLINOS DE BACALHAU (PORTUGUESE COD CAKES)

Steps:

• A day or two before making the fish cakes, put the cod to soak in cold water. Change the water four or five times during this period.
• Drain the cod and rinse it well under cold running water. Cover with fresh water in a saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until cod is soft.
• While the cod is simmering, cook the potatoes in their skins, then peel and mash with butter and milk.
• When the cod is ready, drain it thoroughly and remove the skin and bones. Shred the cod with a couple of forks. Add the creamed potatoes, parsley, mint, pepper, egg yolks, and the port. Mix thoroughly. Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cod mixture.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy deep pot to 375 degrees F.
• Take a lump of the mixture, about the size of a small egg, and mold it in your hand to make a torpedo shape. Deep fry, in small batches, until crisp and brown all over. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.