A classic but simple dish to dress up and serve with a variety of sauces
or just go the traditional way lemons or malted vinegar.

Lent starts this week so for those who observe here is a delicious dinner to help you observe a Meatless Friday.

4 POTATOES – peeled, cut into strips
1 CUP FLOUR
1 ¼ TSP BAKING POWDER
PINCH OF SALT – or more to your taste
FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER – to taste
1 CUP MILK – whole
1 EGG – lightly beaten
½ TSP ONION POWDER – or more to taste
1 QUART VEGETABLE or CANOLA OIL 1 ½ LBS COD FILLET

Slice the potatoes into strips and place in a bowl large enough to cover them with lightly salted cold water.

In a separate bowl mix together flour, baking powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Slowly add the milk and a lightly beaten egg stirring until you have a nice smooth batter free of lumps. Let stand for 20-30 minutes.

In the meantime, in your electric fryer, or electric skillet, heat oil to 350º.
Allow to hold this temperature for about 5 – 10 minutes before adding the potatoes which you have drained well and patted dry with paper towels or a dish towel.
Fry the potatoes in the hot oil until slightly cooked, about 5 minutes, then using a strainer or a spider remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.*

Dredge the cod fillets in the batter, slightly shake off the excess batter and using only one cod piece at a time, place in the hot oil until golden brown on all sides, turning the fillet carefully (watch out for splatters) as it cooks. Carefully remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Check the temperature of the oil making sure it is still at 350º and then carefully add the potatoes back to the pot and fry again until nice and crisp – about 3 or 4 minutes but watch carefully to not overcook or get too browned. You want them nice and golden! Drain, again on paper towels.

Add to a platter with the cod fillets or portion out and serve with a variety of tartar sauces, sliced lemons or just plain malt vinegar.

*I prefer to drain on brown paper bags which I know are difficult to get but whenever I can I ask to have my groceries bagged in paper bags instead of plastic.

BUON MANGIATA!