Provencal Cod Burgers

 

                    Perked up with basil and fresh Parmesan, and served with a garlicky mayonnaise, these cod burgers are fantastically tasty. The cornmeal that holds all the ingredients together is very easy to prepare.

Serves 4-6

• 1¼ cups water
• 1½ cups instant cornmeal
• 1 lb/450 gr cod fillet, skinned
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 2 oz/55 gr Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Aioli

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1¼ cups olive oil

1. Place the water in a large pan and bring to a boil.
2. Slowly pour in the cornmeal in a steady stream and cook over gentle heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, or until thick, let cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Place the cornmeal, fish, basil, cheese, and salt and pepper in a food processor and, using the pulse button, blend together.
4. Shape into 4-6 burgers, then coat in the flour, cover and let chill for 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, make the aioli.
6. Place the garlic and egg yolks in a food processor and blend for 1 minute, add the lemon juice and blend again.
7. With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil until a thick mayonnaise is formed, add salt and pepper to taste and, if too thick, add a little extra lemon juice.
8. Heat a heavy-bottom skillet and add 1 tablespoon of the oil.
9. When hot, add the burgers and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until cooked through, adding extra oil if necessary.
10. Split 4-6 thick wedges of focaccia and arrange fresh spinach leaves and a burger on top.
11. Spoon over a little Aioli and serve.

BON APPÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉTIT