Fish and Chips (No Beer)

For Welcome to Bahrain Tag Game! Another significant part of the Bahraini diet is the fresh fish of the Persian Gulf. A century of British rule in the Persian Gulf has also made fish and chips popular in Bahrain. Whether wrapped in newspaper and eaten with greasy fingers or served on white china with silver cutlery, fish and chips has come a long way since it began 150 years ago.

• Ready In: 1 hr 35 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4

Ingredients

• 4  potatoes
•  corn oil
• 1  lb cod or 1  lb  haddock or 1  lb  other lean  fish fillet
•  sea  salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2⁄3 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1/4 cup separated
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1  tablespoon vinegar
• 2⁄3 cup water
•  malt vinegar (optional, to serve)
•  lemon wedge (optional, to serve)
•  tartar sauce (optional, to serve)

Directions

1. Cut potatoes lengthwise into ½-inch strips.
2. Cut fish filets into 2 x 1/-1/2-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil (2 to 3 inches or enough to cover) in deep fryer or Dutch oven to 375.
4. Fill basket one-fourth full with potatoes.
5. Slowly lower basket into hot oil. (If oil bubbles excessively, raise and lower basket several times.) Use a long-handled fork to keep potatoes separated.
6. Fry potatoes 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
7. Place potatoes in single layer on cookie sheet and keep warm.
8. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
9. Mix 2/3 cup flour and salt.
10. Mix baking soda and vinegar.
11. Stir vinegar mixture and water into flour mixture; beat until smooth.
12. Dredge fish into last of the flour.
13. Then dip fish into batter, allowing excess batter to drip into bowl.
14. Fry 4 or 5 fish pieces at a time about 3 minutes, turning fish once, until brown. Drain on paper towels.
15. Set oven control to broil. Broil potatoes 6 inches from heat 2 to 3 minutes or until crisp.
16. Serve with malt vinegar, lemon, or tartar sauce.