Colombian-Style Fish Balls (Albóndigas de Pescado)

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaf 
• 0.5 cup bread crumbs 
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 1 pound codfish white
• 1  eggs beaten
• 2  eggs beaten
• 0.5 cup flour all-purpose
• 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves fresh finely chopped
• 1  garlic clove finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon milk 
• 0.3 cup oil for frying
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 0.3 cup onion finely chopped
• 0.3 cup bell pepper red finely chopped
• 10 servings salt and pepper 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• paper towels
• pot

Directions

1. Place 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon oil, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat and cook until the vegetables are soft, approximately 10 minutes. Set aside.In a medium pot place the fish, 2 cups water, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Cook about 8-10 minutes.
2. Place the fish in a large bowl and let it cool. Break the fish into small pieces and toss with the bread crumbs, milk and 2 eggs.
3. Add the cooked mixture and mix well. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Shape into small balls.
4. Place the flour in a plate and the beaten egg in shallow dish. First coat the fish balls with egg and then with the flour.
5. Heat the oil for frying over medium heat in a large sauté pan.
6. Add the fish balls and fry for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned.
7. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve hot with lime and your favorite sauce on the side.