Ida’s Grandmother’s Codfish Cakes
Overview
This cherished recipe for codfish cakes comes straight from my grandmother’s kitchen, embodying the essence of comfort food that warms both heart and soul. Whether served piping hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant veggies or enjoyed cold the next day in a sandwich, these fishcakes are universally loved by all who taste them. The recipe involves steaming the ingredients to retain their natural flavors and nutrition, followed by a crispy frying finish that adds an irresistible texture.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Healthy
- Rating: ★★★★★ (1 Review)
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 205.9 kcal |
Total Fat | 2.2 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
Cholesterol | 101.6 mg |
Sodium | 97.8 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 21.8 g |
Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g |
Sugars | 3.2 g |
Protein | 24.1 g |
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cod | 1 lb |
Potato | 1 medium |
Carrot | 1 medium |
Onion | 1 medium |
Ground Ginger | 1/4 – 1/2 tsp |
Egg | 1 large |
Matzo Meal | 1 cup (adjust as needed) |
Keywords
- codfish cakes
- comfort food
- healthy recipes
- seafood
- family recipes
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by placing the potato, carrot, and onion into a medium-sized saucepan, ensuring they are neatly arranged and covered with a lid.
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Add the Cod: Gently lay the cod fillet on top of the vegetables, sprinkling a generous amount of salt and pepper over the fish to enhance its flavor.
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Add Water: Carefully pour enough water into the saucepan to just barely cover the vegetables, reaching just to the bottom of the cod fillet.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat, watching intently as you bring the water to a gentle boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the vegetables are tender and the fish is fully cooked.
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Monitor the Cooking: During the simmering process, keep an eye on the water level to prevent it from boiling away. If the water reduces too much, feel free to add a splash more to ensure even cooking.
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Drain and Cool: After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully drain the fish and vegetables, transferring them to a large mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature, or close to it.
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Combine Ingredients: Once cooled, add the egg and ground ginger to the bowl. Using a hand-held chopper or a potato masher, mash and mix the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a well-combined mixture.
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Incorporate Matzo Meal: Gradually add the matzo meal, starting with about 1/3 cup. The goal is to reach a texture that is firm enough to shape into patties that will hold their form without overshadowing the delightful flavors of the cod and vegetables.
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Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before shaping the patties, taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or ginger to suit your palate.
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Shape the Fishcakes: In a shallow bowl, pour a bit more matzo meal for dredging. Shape the fish mixture into oval patties, approximately the size of a small palm (around 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches and about 3/4 to 1 inch thick).
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Dredge in Matzo Meal: Carefully coat both sides of each patty in the matzo meal, ensuring an even layer that will crisp up beautifully during frying.
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Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat, swirling it around to coat the pan evenly.
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Fry the Fishcakes: Add the coated fishcakes to the hot oil, browning them on one side for several minutes before carefully turning them over to brown the other side.
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Drain the Fishcakes: Once golden brown on both sides, transfer the fishcakes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Repeat Cooking: If needed, add a little more oil to the pan for the next batch, repeating the frying process until all the fishcakes are cooked to perfection.
Serving Suggestions
These codfish cakes are delightful when served warm, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a medley of steamed vegetables. For a delicious lunch option, try them cold in a sandwich or paired with a refreshing salad.
Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of these family-favorite fishcakes, perfect for any occasion, and watch as they become a staple in your home too.