907 grams (2 pounds) white durable fish (preferably rockfish, grouper or snapper)
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into large cubes
2 tablespoons dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons dried parsley
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons curry powder
237 ml (1 cup) fish bouillon
237 ml (1 cup) vegetable bouillon
4 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Section 2
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons roasted garlic
Pinch of cayenne
57 grams (2 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
3 tablespoons sliced fresh chives, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
57 grams (2 ounces) butter, or as needed for frying
Preparation
1. Place all the ingredients from Section 1 in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes and fish by 5 cm (2 inches). Place over high heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the fish is cooked and potatoes are soft enough to mash.
2. Strain through a colander, reserving the solids; the liquid may be discarded or reserved for another purpose, such as making soup.
3. Return the solids to the pot and mash to the desired consistency. Add all ingredients from section 2 and mix until well-blended. Shape into small flat disks.
4. Place a large skillet over medium heat, and melt remaining butter. Working in batches, fry the fish cakes, turning once, until browned on both sides; add more butter as needed. Transfer the cooked cakes to a platter and keep warm. If desired, serve with Banana Nut Chutney.
Eva Baughman has loved studying and practicing photography since buying a second hand Nikkormat SLR when she was first out of college. Photography took a secondary role while she raised a family and worked as a pastry chef and as a recipe tester. When her nest emptied, her passion to create images was reignited. Now it’s with a Pentax DSLR, a Fujifilm X-T1 and in the digital darkroom. She especially enjoys travel and nature photography, has exhibited in New Hampshire, and has had her photos published by the New York Times for food-related stories. She is a member of the New England Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.