Baccala Alla Calabrese Recipes

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine cod with water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and refrigerate, changing water 3 times a day, 1 to 3 days (see cooks' note, below). Refrigerate until ready to use.
• In small bowl, combine capers with water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and refrigerate 1 day, changing water 3 times.
• Drain and rinse capers, then squeeze dry. Drain cod and pat dry, then cut into 4- by 2-inch pieces.
• In heavy 6- to 8-quart pot over moderate heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Add onion and sauté until softened and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes, capers, tomatoes and juice, and salt. Using wooden spoon, gently crush tomatoes. Bring to simmer, then carefully add cod. Add parsley and 1/4 cup mint and gently spoon some of sauce over cod. Simmer, uncovered, until cod is tender and heated through, about 5 minutes.
• Using slotted spatula, transfer cod to serving platter. Remove pot from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Spoon sauce over fish, then sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon mint and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Steps:

• Soak the cod in cold water to cover in a cool spot or refrigerator for at least 24 hours or up to 3 days, changing the water frequently. After 24 hours, break off a tiny piece of fish and taste for saltiness. If fish is still quite salty, continue soaking until water is very clear and fish is almost sweet in taste.
• Place potatoes in cold water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for about 15 minutes or until potatoes are almost cooked through. Drain.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed casserole over medium heat. Add the celery and saute for about 5 minutes, then add the onion and saute until vegetables begin to get soft. Add the olives and saute for an additional minute. Stir in the tomatoes and their juice. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir in broth and return to simmer.
• Stir in the potatoes and the soaked baccala and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked and the baccala flakes when poked with a fork.
• Taste and, if necessary, add salt. Serve hot.

Steps:

• Ready to use, hydrated cod can be found at most fish shops. However, if you choose to buy dry salted cod, soak it in a large bowl of cold water for 2 to 3 days, changing the water 3 to 4 times a day. This will rehydrate the cod and ensure that it is not too salty.
• Cut the cod into 2 by 2-inch pieces. Lightly dredge the cod in flour, shaking off any excess, and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, heat 1 cup of the extra-virgin olive oil. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the cod, otherwise the cod will absorb the excess oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
• In another saucepan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil. Add the garlic, chili peppers, and capers, and let cook for a few minutes. Add the plum tomatoes along with the juices and crush some of the plum tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Add the oregano, season with salt, and cook for 5 minutes.
• Put the cod in the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

Steps:

• Soak cod for 2 to 3 days, refrigerated, changing water regularly. In large pot, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil, add cod and cook until fish breaks off easily. Strain and cool. After it cools, remove skin and bones, if there are any, and break into bite size pieces. In medium saute pan heat oil and saute garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool.
• In a bowl, add cod, pour oil and garlic over, add lemon juice, peppers, olives, capers, parsley and salt and pepper, to taste. Place in serving platter and serve at room temperature.