British Fish and Chips

Beer-battered cod with double-fried chips — Britain''s national dish.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs cod fillets
• Batter: 1 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 cup cold lager beer
• 2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into thick chips
• Oil for deep frying
• Salt, malt vinegar, mushy peas, tartar sauce

Method

1. Chips: soak in cold water 30 min. Dry. Fry at 325°F for 5 min (blanch). Drain. Fry at 375°F for 3 min until golden.

2. Batter: whisk flour, baking powder, beer until just combined (lumps are fine).

3. Dredge fish in flour, dip in batter. Fry at 375°F for 5 min until golden.

4. Serve with salt, malt vinegar, mushy peas, tartar sauce.

What You're Practicing

• Cold beer + minimal mixing = light, crispy batter. Same science as tempura.
• Double-fry chips: first fry cooks through, second fry crisps.