Spicy Fish Balls
Ingredients:1 lb fresh cod fillets
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
2 eggs
3/4 cup panko bread crumbs (any bread crumbs should work)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (diced finely)
2-3 cups veg oil for frying
1/2 cup flour for dusting
Directions:
Wash and pat the fish dry with some
paper towels. If you’re using frozen (pre packaged) cod, give it a good
squeeze as there’s usually a lot of water in it. Then cut into chunks
and place into a food processor. The entire recipe will be done in the
food processor, but if you don’t have one, don’t fret. Simply chop the
cod fish very fine and mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
Give the fish a few pulses in the food
processor and remember to scrape down the side so you get an even
consistency. Then add all the other ingredients except the flour and the
veg oil for frying.
Please remember to chop the herbs very fine
and crush the garlic. The scotch bonnet pepper should also be chopped very fine
and do remember to wear gloves when handling them. Additionally, wash
your hands with soap and water immediately after handing.
Pulse for a minute or two (remember to stop to scrape down), until you have a well mixed consistency.
Now it’s time to shape this into the small balls for frying. Take about a
teaspoon full amount and roll in your hands to form the ball. Then toss
in the flour (all purpose flour) to evenly coat the outside. This will
help you get that lovely golden brown colour when fried. Be sure to do
them all before you start to fry, as they will cook very fast. You can
place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet so they don’t stick as they
await their turn in the hot oil.
Heat your oil on a medium/high heat and fry these for 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve with any sauces you like.