Salt cod fritters

Active: 45 minutes; Total: 45 minutes; Yield: 12 to 15

Salt cod fillets	500 grams
Potatoes, russet, scrubbed but not peeled	500 grams
Onions, finely chopped	2 medium
Parsley, chopped	1 bunch
Nutmeg, freshly grated	1 teaspoon
Eggs, lightly beaten	5
Vegetable oil	For frying
Salt
Pepper, freshly ground

1. Desalinate the cod for 24 hours in a bowl of water placed in the bottom of the refrigerator, changing the water two to three times during the soaking; drain off the soaking water. 
2. Place the cod in a wide saucepan of fresh cold water. 
3. Heat until the water is simmering, then turn off the heat and lave the cod to poach in the residual heat for 20 minutes; drain. 
4. Once cold, flake the cod, removing and discarding the skin and bones; set aside. 
5. Cook the potatoes in salted water, or steam them for 25 minutes, then remove the skins; mash to purée. 
6. Mix the flaked cod and mashed potatoes in a large bowl. 
7. Add the onions, parsley, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. 
8. Add the eggs to the cod mixture, and mix until they bind the mixture well. 
9. Using two spoons, shape the mixture into fritters. 
10. Heat the oil to 350°F, or until a piece of the mixture, when thrown in, sizzles immediately. 
11. Carefully fry the fritters in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. 
12. Once they are golden brown, take them out and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Recipe from Portugal Recipes & Ingredients by Anaïs Bourny Delon & Nicolas Lobbestaël.