Balchi di Pisca

The method

1. 01

   Soak the salted cod for twenty-four hours and discard the water.

2. 02

   Place the cod in a saucepan with fresh water to cover and simmer gently until the fish flakes easily.

3. 03

   Strain the cod, reserving a bit of the broth, and de-bone the cod.

4. 04

   In a separate saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the diced potatoes.

5. 05

   When the potatoes are tender, drain them well and mash them together with the cod.

6. 06

   In an electric blender, combine the tomato, green pepper, onion, garlic, Tobasco sauce, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

7. 07

   Blend for a few seconds and pour the sauce over the mashed fish mixture.

8. 08

   Combine the ingredients well and add the beaten egg.

9. 09

   Ensure the mixture is stiff enough to mold into balls about one and a half inches in diameter.

10. 10

    If the mixture is too dry, add the reserved fish stock a tablespoon at a time.

11. 11

    Fry the balls in hot, deep fat until golden brown.