Italian Baccala (Salt Cod) Salad with Olives

A variation on my grandmother's traditional Italian X-mas eve fish recipe.

Ingredients:
1/2 package of salt cod chunks or bits (available in many grocery stores and italian/portuguese shops)
1 clove of garlic, chopped
The Extras You can use many different things: parsley, artichoke hearts, celery. Just keep it
relatively simple and make sure the extras don't outshine the fish.
My extras:
1/2 cup pitted black olives chopped
one roasted red pepper from a jar, thinly sliced
2 baby carrots, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp olive oil
the juice of 1/2 a lemon or lime
salt
pepper
crushed chili flakes

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Fish

Salt cod is salty. So very, very salty.
It's also very delicious if you prep it properly.
To prepare it for any recipe, you should soak it in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water a couple of times a day.

Then you're ready to begin.

Cut the Salt Cod into chunks and place it in a pot with water just covering.

Bring the water to a boil, and boil the fish for 3-5 minutes (until it flakes easily with a fork)
Note: scary foam may come to the top of the water...don't panic.
Drain the fish in a colander and leave it there to cool a bit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Comments

[FlatLinerMEDIC]

5 stars for authentic!

[Barbarianantho]

This is a great take on Baccala, though when my family makes it we cook the garlic and pepper flakes in the oil ion order to infuse it with the flavor.

[starshipminivan]

Great idea! We only really eat Baccala at Christmas because it is our tradition.

[starshipminivan]

I meant to say that I thought it was a great take on baccala. We only really eat it dredged in flour and fried. This sounds like healthier way to have it and a good warm weather meal.

[Lizzio]

I agree! It's incredibly hot here right now, and that salad was a perfect evening meal :)