Fish and fries: A taste of seaside summer at home

Fish and chips is a dish that unmistakably brings to mind summer trips to the seaside. If you get a craving for this treat, you don't need to jump into a car or train because you can recreate it at home. In this version, it tastes even better than from a bar.

Homemade fries, juicy cod in batter, and simple sides like sauce and coleslaw make for a perfect recipe for a delicious dinner. Dietitians often say there aren't enough fish in our diets, and this dish will certainly make fish appear more often. It’s like enjoying the taste of a vacation by the sea without leaving home.

Cod fried in crispy batter is a classic. Its delicate, white meat that doesn't fall apart during frying, combined with the crispy coating, creates a delicious combination and a real treat.

An alternative to cod could also be grenadier, hake, or pollock. Their firm meat doesn't fall apart during frying, and the lack of bones makes eating such fish a pure pleasure.

The secret to the fish's exceptional taste is the crispy batter, which complements the meat without overpowering it. Add homemade fries—which undoubtedly beat any frozen alternatives—and a delicious, homemade dinner is ready.

Ingredients:            

• 14 oz cod fillets,
• 1 teaspoon salt,
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper,
• 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence,
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour,
• 1 egg,
• about 1/2 cup milk.

Fries:   

• 4 medium potatoes,
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil,
• 1.5 teaspoons salt.

Sides:  

• coleslaw,
• mayonnaise.

Preparation:

Step 1. Season the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence on both sides. Tenderloin will also work well instead of fillets.

Step 2. Combine the all-purpose flour, egg, and milk in a bowl and mix thoroughly until a smooth batter forms. It should be fairly thick, like cream.

Step 3. Thoroughly wash the potatoes and cut them into fries. Place them in a bowl, add the oil and salt, and mix so that the potatoes are evenly coated. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and place in an oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 4. Dip the pieces of fish in the prepared batter so it coats them on both sides.

Step 5. Fry the cod in a pan with a significant amount of heated oil on both sides until golden brown. Place on a piece of paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve with baked fries, your favorite coleslaw, and a sauce like mayonnaise. Bon appétit!