COD FISH CAKES RECIPES

Steps:

• Fill a shallow, wide pan with high sides with about an inch of water, and set it over high heat. Add the peppercorns, bay leaf and 1 section of the lemon to the water, and allow it to come to a bare simmer. Place the fish into this poaching liquid, and cook, barely simmering, until the flesh has just begun to whiten all the way through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Using a wide spatula, carefully remove the fish from the water, and set aside to cool.
• Empty the pan, and return it to the stove, over medium-high heat. Add the butter, and allow it to melt, swirling it around the pan. When the butter foams, add the celery, onions and garlic, and sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent, then transfer them to a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, salt, pepper and seasoning salt (or paprika and hot-pepper flakes), then add this mixture to the bowl with the sautéed vegetables, pour the crushed saltines or bread crumbs over them and stir to combine. Add the parsley, and stir again.
• Flake the cooked fish into the binding sauce carefully, keeping the flakes as whole as you can manage, then gather them into small balls, and form them into patties, 4-6 for a main course, 6-8 for an appetizer. Place them on a sheet pan or platter, cover loosely with plastic wrap and transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
• Set a large sauté pan over high heat, and add to it the neutral oil. When the oil is shimmering, remove the fish cakes from the refrigerator, and carefully sauté the patties until they are golden brown, approximately 4 to 5 minutes a side. Work in batches if necessary. (A small smear of mayonnaise on the exterior of the patties will give them a crisp crust.) Serve them alone, or with greens dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, with the remaining wedges of lemon.

Steps:

• Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until tender.
• While the potatoes are cooking, cut the cod loins in half. Put the cod in a steamer or heatproof colander, and sit it on top of the pan of potatoes. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Steam for 6–8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and starting to flake. Remove the fish and set aside. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the cod and, using a masher, blend the potatoes and fish together.
• Stir in the salt, garlic, chillies, coriander and chilli powder. Mix to combine. Add the ground cumin, ginger and beaten egg and mix well to combine.
• Put the flour in a shallow bowl. Shape large spoonfuls of the fish mixture into rounds using your hands, then flatten slightly before coating well in plain flour. Place on a plate while you use the remaining mixture – it will make approximately 12 fishcakes. Chill the fish cakes in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up.
• In a non-stick frying pan, heat enough oil to completely cover the base of the pan. Shallow fry the fish cakes for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Carefully seal the edges of the fish cakes in the oil until golden. Transfer to a plate and serve the warm fish cakes with sprigs of coriander and tomato chutney.