Bacalaitos

Bacalaítos are salt cod fritters filled with minced cod fish and can be garnished with cilantro, tomatoes and onions.  They are a traditional Puerto Rican snack and one of my favorites since I was a little girl. They are usually served at beaches and festivals in Puerto Rico. They are crisp on the outside and chewy in the inside. So yummy! Ingredients: 1/4 lb. bacalao (cod fish) 3/4 cup flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/3 tsp. salt 3/4 cup water 1 garlic clove 2 cilantro leaves 1 envelope sazón seasoning Pepper sprinkle Vegetable oil

Directions:

Cut the bacalao in chunks, place in a pot, cover with water and boil on high for 15 minutes. Drain, debone, wash and shred. In a bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Add the water slowly and mix to make a thick like sauce. Add the pepper and sazón and stir well. Be sure to stir by hand. In a mortar (pilon), crush the garlic and cilantro leaves and add to the mix. Add the shredded bacalao and mix well. In a frying pan, pre-heat lots of vegetable oil. Fry the bacalaitos on high heat by dropping big spoonfuls in hot oil. Turn as needed. Bacalaitos are done when they are golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels and let them cool before biting into them.