Bacalao (salt cod) has been popular in Spain for centuries, especially among the Basques (they brought it back from whaling voyages to northern Europe) and the Catalans (the southern French shared it with them). Although Spain is surrounded by water, in days gone by fresh fish never made it to the interior and sometimes wasn't available - or any good - on the coasts. So, in this strict Catholic country where meat and poultry were not allowed on Fridays, or during Lent, Bacalao became an integral part of the staple diet. Bradade - salt cod pureed with potatoes, olive oil and sometimes milk - is a specialty of France's Provence area that has made its way into the Catalan culinary repertoire as Brandada. If you've never tried salt cod, this is a good initiation. Start soaking the dried fish a day ahead.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 8
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Rinse salt cod under cold water. Place in medium bowl. Cover salt cod with cold water and refrigerate 12 hours, changing water occasionally.
Step 2
Drain salt cod. Place in medium saucepan. Cover salt cod with fresh cold water and add bay leaf. Bring just to boil. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Drain salt cod. Remove any skin and bones. Transfer cod to processor and flake finely.
Step 3
Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain. Force through ricer into large bowl, or transfer to large bowl and mash with fork. Mix in cod.
Step 4
Pour oil into heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Discard garlic. Using large fork, gradually work oil into cod potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)
Step 5
Line platter with lettuce. Mound brandada in center of platter. Sprinkle with parsley. Surround with tomatoes, olives and bread.
