Pastéis de Bacalhau (Dairy-Free Cod Fritters)

Ingredients

• 1 pound Salted Cod (Bacalhau)
• 2 pounds Potatoes
• 1/2 cup Dairy-Free Milk (Unsweetened Almond or Soy)
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 Onion
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 pound of Salted Cod in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water several times to remove excess salt. After soaking, drain the cod, remove any skin and bones, and shred it into small pieces.
2. 2Peel the 2 pounds of Potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth, then gradually add the 1/2 cup of Dairy-Free Milk, mixing until creamy.
3. 3While the potatoes are boiling, finely chop the 1/2 Onion. Place a small skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. 4Finely chop the 2 tablespoons of Fresh Parsley.
5. 5In a large bowl, combine the shredded cod, the mashed potatoes with dairy-free milk, the sautéed onion, the 2 beaten Eggs, and the chopped parsley. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of Salt and the 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
6. 6Pour the 2 cups of Vegetable Oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a tiny piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately.
7. 7Carefully drop rounded tablespoons of the cod mixture into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the fritters for 3-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. 8Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the Pastéis de Bacalhau warm.

Substitutions

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