Savory Salt Cod Cakes with Mashed Potatoes
These savory salt cod cakes blend the rich flavors of preserved fish with creamy mashed potatoes, bringing comfort to any cold day. A cherished recipe passed down through generations, these cakes are an homage to my grandfather's favorite winter meal, while a dash of hot sauce adds a modern kick. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these cakes are sure to be a new favorite in your home.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt cod fish
1 lb (Soaked, rinsed, and flaked)
Dried breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Soaked in milk)
Milk
1/2 cup (For soaking breadcrumbs)
Mashed potatoes
2 1/2 cups (Prepared and cooled)
Melted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Hot pepper sauce
1 dash (To taste)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (For frying)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by soaking the salt cod in cold water for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight. Remember to change the water a minimum of 3 times during this soaking process to reduce the saltiness.
2
2. Once soaked, remove the cod from the water and rinse it thoroughly under cold water.
3
3. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed cod with fresh cold water. Place it over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the fish is fully cooked.
4
4. Drain the fish and allow it to cool until you can handle it comfortably. Then, using a fork, flake the cod into a large bowl, ensuring no bones remain.
5
5. In a separate small bowl, mix the dried breadcrumbs and milk, allowing them to soak for a few minutes until softened.
6
6. To the bowl with the flaked fish, add the soaked breadcrumbs, mashed potatoes, melted butter, pepper, and a dash of hot pepper sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
7
7. Shape the mixture into 2 1/2-inch cakes, gently pressing to ensure they hold together.
8
8. Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the cakes in the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until the cakes are golden brown and crispy.
9
9. Add more oil as needed to cook the remaining cakes, making sure they remain crispy and delicious.
10
10. Serve the salt cod cakes warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Salt Cod Cakes?
Savory Salt Cod Cakes are a traditional Canadian dish blending preserved salt cod with creamy mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, pan-fried for a crispy finish.
How long should I soak the salt cod?
The salt cod should be soaked in cold water for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to rehydrate and reduce saltiness.
How many times should I change the soaking water?
It is recommended to change the water at least 3 times during the soaking process to ensure the fish is not overly salty.
What is the first step in preparing the cod after soaking?
After soaking, remove the cod from the water and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water.
How do I cook the soaked salt cod?
Place the rinsed cod in a saucepan with fresh cold water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes until fully cooked.
How should I flake the cooked cod?
Drain the fish and let it cool, then use a fork to flake the cod into a large bowl, being careful to remove all bones.
Why are the breadcrumbs soaked in milk?
Soaking 1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs in 1/2 cup of milk for a few minutes helps soften them, acting as a better binder for the cakes.
What seasonings are added to the cod mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper and a dash of hot pepper sauce for a modern kick.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of prepared and cooled mashed potatoes.
How much butter is needed for the mixture?
You should add 2 tablespoons of melted butter to the fish and potato mixture.
How do I form the cod cakes?
Shape the combined ingredients into 2 1/2-inch cakes, pressing gently so they hold together during frying.
What type of oil is best for frying the cakes?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to fry the cakes over medium-high heat.
How long do the cakes need to fry on each side?
Cook the cakes for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes enough for 8 servings.
What garnish is recommended?
Serve the cakes garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of hot sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished Canadian family recipe passed down through generations, originally a favorite winter meal of the creator's grandfather.
Can I add more oil while cooking?
Yes, you should add more vegetable oil as needed between batches to ensure all cakes remain crispy.
Is the fish cooked before mixing with potatoes?
Yes, the fish is simmered for 10 minutes and flaked before being combined with the other ingredients.
Should the mashed potatoes be hot or cold when mixing?
The recipe suggests using cooled mashed potatoes to help maintain the structure of the cakes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: salt cod, dried breadcrumbs, milk, mashed potatoes, butter, pepper, hot pepper sauce, vegetable oil, and fresh parsley.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
Use a large skillet over medium-high heat to get the oil hot enough for a crispy exterior.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, these savory cakes are ideal for both large gatherings and cozy family dinners.
What is the texture of the cod cakes?
They feature a creamy interior from the mashed potatoes and a crispy, golden-brown crust.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the amount of hot pepper sauce can be adjusted to taste within the mixture or as a topping.
Does the recipe include salt in the seasoning?
No extra salt is added to the mixture because the salt cod provides sufficient natural saltiness even after soaking.
What size are the individual cakes?
Each cake should be approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
How do I ensure no bones remain in the fish?
When flaking the fish with a fork after it has cooled, carefully inspect the flakes and remove any bones found.
Can I use fresh parsley in the mixture?
While the recipe uses parsley as a garnish, it could be incorporated into the mixture for extra color and flavor.
Is this a winter dish?
Yes, it is described as a comforting winter meal ideal for cold days.
How do I serve the cakes?
Serve them warm immediately after frying to enjoy the best texture and flavor.