Twice as Cheap as Cod, This Fish is Perfect for Homemade Fritters!

You absolutely love accras! Whenever you spot the Caribbean food stall setting up at the market, you can’t resist the enticing aroma of these flavorful fritters. Traditionally made with cod, which is first dried and then salted, accras come in various Caribbean versions using ingredients like plantain or cassava. But did you know that the Bretons have their own take on these fritters? They use a very affordable fish found all along the French coasts.

To whip up these fritters, you don’t even need to visit a fishmonger! A can of mackerel fillets from the supermarket—or even better, from a small Breton grocery store—will do the trick perfectly. This is a gentle hit on the wallet: canned mackerel fillets cost just around 11 euros per kilo on average, which is half the price of salted cod fillets often sold for 25 euros per kilo. Another significant advantage: there’s no need to desalt the cod for four hours (yes, that’s how long it takes!). Clearly, the Bretons are onto something great.

Ingredients for Mackerel Accras

• 1 can of mackerel fillets
• 200 g of potatoes suitable for mashing
• 3 eggs
• 1 onion
• Half a bunch of cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper
• Frying oil

1. Cook your potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Peel them and then mash them.

2. Peel and finely chop the onion. Sauté it in a hot pan with a bit of your preferred oil. Once golden, mix the onions into the mashed potatoes.

3. Cut the mackerel into small pieces and add them to the mashed potatoes. Finally, incorporate the beaten eggs, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.

4. Heat the frying oil. Use teaspoons to shape the mash into balls, then fry them until they are golden brown.

All that’s left is to place your Breton fritters on some paper towels and enjoy them while they’re still hot and steamy!