Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   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                    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)