Salt Cod Brandade
James Carrier
Salt cod (sometimes labeled baccalà or bacalao) must be soaked for at least 1 day — 2 for milder flavor.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Rinse salt cod well under cool running water. Place in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart jar and cover with water; cover jar airtight and chill 1 to 2 days (see notes), draining and replacing water at least six times. Drain fish. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, cover salt cod with water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fish flakes easily, 5 to 15 minutes. Drain; when cool enough to handle, remove and discard any bones and skin.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a 10-inch frying pan or 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, frequently stir onion and thyme in 2 tablespoons butter until onion is browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 3
3
Add broth and potatoes to pan; bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until potatoes mash easily when pressed, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes.
Step 4
4
In a food processor (at least 1 qt.) or bowl, combine fish, onion mixture, potatoes, cream, mustard, and pepper. Whirl or beat with a mixer until potatoes are mashed; season to taste with salt.
Step 5
5
In a buttered shallow 1-quart casserole or four buttered 1-cup ramekins, spread cod mixture level (equally in ramekins) with a spatula, then swirl the top with the tip of the spatula.
Step 6
6
Break about 1 tablespoon butter into tiny pieces and dot cod mixture evenly, lodging pieces in the crevices.
Step 7
7
Bake in a 400°; oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with capers and parsley. Serve hot.
Ingredients
8 ounces dried salt cod (see notes)
1 onion (8 oz.), peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
About 3 tablespoons butter
1 cup fat-skimmed chicken broth
1 pound thin-skinned potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper
Salt
1 to 2 tablespoons drained capers
About 2 tablespoons minced parsley
Directions
Step 1
1
Rinse salt cod well under cool running water. Place in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart jar and cover with water; cover jar airtight and chill 1 to 2 days (see notes), draining and replacing water at least six times. Drain fish. In a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan, cover salt cod with water; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until fish flakes easily, 5 to 15 minutes. Drain; when cool enough to handle, remove and discard any bones and skin.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a 10-inch frying pan or 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, frequently stir onion and thyme in 2 tablespoons butter until onion is browned, 6 to 10 minutes. Scrape into a bowl.
Step 3
3
Add broth and potatoes to pan; bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently until potatoes mash easily when pressed, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes.
Step 4
4
In a food processor (at least 1 qt.) or bowl, combine fish, onion mixture, potatoes, cream, mustard, and pepper. Whirl or beat with a mixer until potatoes are mashed; season to taste with salt.
Step 5
5
In a buttered shallow 1-quart casserole or four buttered 1-cup ramekins, spread cod mixture level (equally in ramekins) with a spatula, then swirl the top with the tip of the spatula.
Step 6
6
Break about 1 tablespoon butter into tiny pieces and dot cod mixture evenly, lodging pieces in the crevices.
Step 7
7
Bake in a 400°; oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with capers and parsley. Serve hot.
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