Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of French Guiana with Accras de Morue, a beloved delicacy that tantalizes taste buds with its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. These savory fritters, crafted from salted codfish, flour, herbs, and spices, offer a delightful blend of textures and a burst of Caribbean-inspired flavors. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a sumptuous meal, Accras de Morue embodies the vibrant culture and diverse palate of this unique South American territory, inviting you to savor every bite of its savory goodness.

Here's a traditional recipe for Accras de Morue, the salted cod fritters from French Guiana:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) salted codfish
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt (if needed, to taste)

Instructions:

Prepare the Salted Cod:

1- Soak the salted cod in cold water overnight in the refrigerator to remove excess salt. Change the water several times during the soaking process.

2- Once soaked, drain the cod and shred it into small pieces, removing any bones or skin. Set aside.

Mixing the Batter:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.

2- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) to the flour mixture.

3- Gradually add water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously, until you achieve a thick and smooth batter consistency.

4- Fold in the shredded salted codfish until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Frying the Fritters:

1- In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

2- Using a spoon or your hands, carefully drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into round fritters.

3- Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

4- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Serve the Accras de Morue hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.

2- These fritters are often served with a dipping sauce such as aioli, tartar sauce, or a spicy pepper sauce for an extra kick.

3- Enjoy your delicious French Guianese salted cod fritters as a flavorful appetizer or snack!

Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Accras de Morue recipe:

Salted Cod (1 pound / 450g):

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 90g
• Fat: Approximately 5g
• Sodium: Varies depending on soaking, approximately 5000-8000mg

benefits:Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which support heart health and muscle function.

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: Approximately 800 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 168g
• Protein: Approximately 20g
• Fat: Approximately 2g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy, along with small amounts of protein and dietary fiber. It's also a source of B vitamins, which are essential for metabolism.

Onion (1 medium-sized):

• Calories: Approximately 44 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
• Fiber: Approximately 2g
• Protein: Approximately 1g
• Fat: Approximately 0g

benefits:Contains antioxidants such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Onions also provide vitamin C and fiber.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: Approximately 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g
• Fiber: Approximately 0.1g
• Protein: Approximately 0.4g
• Fat: Approximately 0g

benefits:Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic contains sulfur compounds that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It's also rich in antioxidants like allicin.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value (less than 5 kcal)

benefits:Used as a leavening agent in baking, baking powder helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.

Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value (less than 5 kcal)

benefits:Contains piperine, a compound that may improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. Black pepper also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value (less than 5 kcal)

benefits:Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, paprika may support immune function and cardiovascular health. It adds flavor and color to the fritters.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value (less than 5 kcal)

benefits:Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Thyme also has antimicrobial properties and may help alleviate respiratory issues.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper (1 pepper, optional):

• Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g
• Fiber: Approximately 0.4g
• Protein: Approximately 0.3g
• Fat: Approximately 0g

benefits:Provides capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. It also contains vitamins A and C, which support immune function.

Parsley (1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g
• Fiber: Approximately 0.5g
• Protein: Approximately 0.5g
• Fat: Approximately 0g

benefits:High in vitamin K, parsley supports bone health and blood clotting. It also provides vitamin C and antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon (approximately 15ml)
• Fat: Approximately 14g per tablespoon (approximately 15ml)

benefits:Depending on the type used, vegetable oil can provide healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health. However, it's important to moderate intake due to its high calorie content.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brands used and specific preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values for salted cod can vary widely depending on the soaking process to remove excess salt.