If you know anything about Newfoundland, you know that historically it has been home to one of the largest cod fisheries in the world. So if you visit the Rock you can pretty much eat cod any which way you like. Many here prefer to eat it salted (a traditional way to preserve it), and there’s a huge number of dishes surrounding this particular delicacy. A favourite locally is fish ‘n’ brewis (pronounced like “bruise”), and is very popular amongst the hungover patrons of George Street. It’s a breaded filet of salt cod, pan fried and topped with scruncheons, which you may remember from our toutons recipe. It makes for a good “scoff,” or meal.
You can get salt cod pretty much anywhere on the eastern coast of Canada and through much of New England. It’s a pretty popular way of preserving fish, so you’re likely to find it as well in markets in Russia, China, huge chunks of Europe, and more or less wherever else cod is sold. You can also get canned salted cod from specialty shops and online. If you can’t get salt cod (or you can’t be bothered to get some) you can use fresh cod or haddock or any other white fish as a substitute. Just don’t go through the soaking step, and add a bit of salt to the recipe.
First you need about 1lb salt fish bits. I don’t even question what the bits are, though it’s not all cod. Just trust me on this one.
Dump those bits in a pot. Okay so it doesn’t look that appetizing. Just wait for it.
Fill the pot with cold water. Bung that pot in the fridge overnight.
Next day, drain that salty, salty water, and fill it again with fresh. Put the pot on the stove and bring the contents to a gentle simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
While that’s on the go, peel and chop up about 1lb white potatoes (this was 4 large ones). Huck them in a pot and boil the crap out of them as well.
Drain the cooked fish.
Use two forks (or a potato masher) to break the fish up into fine little bits.
Drain the cooked potatoes and mash them as well. Leave them aside to cool a bit.
Finely chop up a small onion (or half a large one) and drop it in a pan with 1/4 cup butter.
Cook on medium heat until soft. While I’ve got you moving, might as well do the hokey pokey.
Crack 1 large egg and beat it up and put it aside, together with 2 tablespoons savoury, and some salt and pepper.
Dump the onions in with the fish and give that a stir.
Same-same with the potatoes and herbs.
When the mixture has cooled enough that it won’t cook the egg on contact, dump that in as well and mix it in.
Use a spoon to scoop up a generous helping of the mixture and form it with your hands into a little patty.
Roll the finished patty in about 1/4 cup flour (I used buckwheat so I could give some to Fussellette) and set it aside.
This particular recipe made 16 fish cakes for me.
Now you can wrap them up in waxed paper and seal them in something airtight and chuck them in the fridge, or freeze them.
To cook, heat a couple glugs of vegetable oil in a pan and fry on medium high for 3-4 minutes each side.
Flip when you get some nice golden-brown crispies on the bottom.
Serve with fresh chives or parsley and a side of strong condiment, like dijon mustard, relish, or chutney. Save a couple for the magical creation we will be having on Friday. Stay tuned!
Yep, this is the traditional way! My mom made them this week, too. “Boil the crap lout of everything” is about right! Do you see them served with pickled green tomato chow, as well?
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Oh yeah, anything with a strong flavour. I think I’ll stick with the mustard, though!
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Those look absolutely stunning – you certainly know your way around cod! Great colour and a lovely thickness!
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These look great! In the southern US we do something similar with canned salmon.
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Oooh, sounds good. Maybe I’ll give that a try.
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We have salt cod. We will be making these. NO LIE.
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DO IT.
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Just came back from the East Coast. Totally craving these… Now to find me some salt cod to soak. Mmmmm….
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Now you’ve got me thinking of making it again!
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I bought some cod last night so I plan on trying to cook some fishcakes.
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Let me know how it goes. I’ve never tried it with cod that wasn’t salted first.
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I use my mother’s recipe , (she was 93 when she passed away in Oct) and it’s almost the same . She didn’t use eggs but a little flour in the mix to keep them together and of course fried in ” scrunchions” . They were always a big hit with everybody!!! Must try the egg though!
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I used the egg because I was making them for someone with a gluten intolerance – I actually liked it better because I found my fingers didn’t get all gummed up. Sorry about your mother – I’m glad you are able to share memories like this!
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I have celiac disease so cant use the flour. If you add the egg would you still need to use flour or a flour substitute or will the egg hold it together well enough till you get a crust going? Thanks
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You’ll need some kind of flour. I’ve made them with corn flour (not corn meal) for a celiac friend and they were great.
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Mine didn’t work out quite that well. I didn’t have savoury so used a poultry seasoning instead. It was my first time making it..not sure I will attempt it again..it was spice over load and found it very loose. Open to suggestions.
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Poultry seasoning would definitely be too strong for fish. If you decide to do it again try it with just pepper and the fish will hold together better if you make sure the pieces are very small.
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