The drying of meats and fish is the oldest method of preservation. Salt cod (cod that has been both salted and dried) has been around for 500 to 1,000 years, since European fishing fleets discovered the rich cod supplies of the north Atlantic. The result was widespread use of salted cod, as in baccalà (Italian), bacalhau (Portuguese), klippfisk (Scandinavian), morue (French), and saltfiskur (Icelandic). Why go through the lengthy process of desalting a fish that you could buy fresh? Flavor, for starters; if cod were fresh ham, salt cod would be its prosciutto. And texture; salt cod is supple and chewier than fresh cod. A rare treat to eat, salt cod also happens to hold up well in a sandwich. We’ve opted for the traditional pairing of salt cod with roasted red peppers, whose sweetness is a natural fit with the cod.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 8 bruschette (2 per person)
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Submerge the cod in cold water and refrigerate for a few hours. Change the water and continue soaking overnight.
Step 2
Remove the soaked cod from the fridge and drain. In a medium pot, bring the milk, cod, and potatoes to a simmer and add the thyme and bay leaf. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from the heat, transfer the cod and potatoes to a food processor or mixing bowl, and discard the milk and herbs. Add the cream and blend or mash (with a fork) until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon oil and season with salt, if necessary. Set aside.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the garlic, butter, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice. Using a spoon, mix the ingredients well until smooth.
Step 5
Slice the baguette on the bias into 8 pieces. Spread the garlic butter on one side of each slice and toast on a rack in the oven. Remove and place the whipped salt cod on the buttered side of the bread, topped with the peppers and parsley. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with pepper, and serve.
