Read by Michael Flamel

Once upon a time, in the heart of Covent Garden, there stood a quaint little tavern with a big secret: their fish and chips were unlike any other in all of London. It wasn’t just the crispy batter or the perfectly cooked fish that made them stand out; it was the magical touch of celery salt that added an unexpected twist to this beloved British classic.

Here’s how you can recreate this legendary dish in your own kitchen:

Ingredients

For the fish

• 4 fillets of your favorite white fish (such as cod or haddock)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup beer (a light lager works best)
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the chips

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into thick fries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Start by preparing the chips. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the potato fries with olive oil, celery salt, and salt until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
• While the chips are baking, prepare the fish batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, chopped celery, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the beer, stirring until you have a smooth batter with the consistency of pancake batter.
• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
• Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip each fillet into the batter, coating it evenly, then carefully lower it into the hot oil. Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the batter is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
• Once the fish and chips are ready, serve them hot with a sprinkle of extra celery salt on top for an added burst of flavor.

Suggestions for serving

• Traditional mushy peas or a fresh garden salad make excellent accompaniments to fish and chips.
• Serve with a wedge of lemon and tartar sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a crisp, cold pint of your favorite beer for the ultimate British pub experience.

And there you have it, a taste of Covent Garden right in your own home. Enjoy your zesty fish and chips adventure!