Bacalaitos

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the salt cod, onion, garlic, and pepper in a bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon.
2. 2
   Add the flour and stir a few times, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
3. 3
   Add about 1/2 cup water and stir until a batter formsit should be a bit thicker than pancake batter, but not muchthen stir in the parsley.
4. 4
   Let the mixture rest while you put about 3 inches of oil in a deep saucepan and heat it over medium high to 350F (a drop of the batter will sizzle energetically but not violently).
5. 5
   Using a tablespoon, gently drop spoonfuls of the cod mixture into the oil and fry, turning once, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. 6
   Work in batches, taking care not to crowd the fritters.
7. 7
   Drain on paper towels and serve with lime wedges or keep in a warm oven until ready to serve.
8. 8
   Substitute 1 pound shrimp, peeled, and ground, for the salt cod.
9. 9
   Substitute 1 pound shrimp, peeled and ground, for the salt cod.
10. 10
    Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground turmeric to the shrimp, onion, garlic, and pepper mixture.
11. 11
    Substitute 2 hot green chiles, stemmed, seeded, and minced, for the parsley.