Pezzetti Di Baccala With Lemon Pesto

Grrrrrgh!
Course : Italian
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

2 pounds baccala fillets -- (without bones)
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons salt -- divided
2 tablespoons virgin olive oil -- plus
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
1 quart olive oil for frying
4 medium lemons
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
 

Preparation:

Soak the baccala for 2 days, changing the water at least twice daily. Drain baccala and pat dry, checking for bones but leaving intact any skin pieces. Cut baccala into 3-inch by 1-inch pieces and set aside. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt and two tablespoons virgin olive oil until very smooth. In a 6-inch deep frying pan, heat 1 quart oil to 370 degrees. Dip baccala into batter and drop into oil, 2 to 3 pieces at a time, and fry until golden-brown on all sides, about 6 to 7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. While pieces are frying, quarter 3 lemons and remove the seeds. Chop roughly and place in food processor with remaining 1/2 cup of virgin olive oil, teaspoon of salt, sugar and pepper and blend until smooth and thick. Pour lemon pesto into serving bowl. When all baccala is cooked, serve immediately with lemon wedges and lemon pesto dipping sauce. Source: MOLTO MARIO with Mario Batali From the TV FOOD NETWORK - (Show # MB-5700)