This version of salt cod casserole is a traditional New England favorite. Make it for your next holiday party!
Yield:
6 to 8 servingsIngredients
1-1/2 pounds boneless salt cod
2-1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chunked
3 or 4 whole onions, sliced into thin rounds
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1/4 cup plus 1 cup olive oil (preferably a fragrant Portuguese oil)
1 cup chopped parsley, divided
1 can chickpeas
36 black olives (preferably Portuguese unpitted variety)
6 eggs, hard-cooked, peeled, and sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Immerse salt cod in cold water; let sit in refrigerator 1 to 2 days, rinsing frequently (in testing, we found that a 24-hour soak was adequate if the water was changed four times). In a stockpot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil, then add fish. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, until potatoes are not quite fully cooked. Separate cod and potatoes; set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, sauté onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil until browned. Add 1/2 cup parsley and cook until soft. Remove from skillet and set aside. Next, add another 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and brown potatoes (you may need to do this in batches). Lay the browned potatoes in the bottom of a covered casserole dish. Break cod into small chunks, removing any skin, and place on top of potatoes. Spread the onion, garlic, and parsley mixture over the cod. Top with chickpeas, then olives. Pour 1 cup olive oil over casserole. Bake, covered, 30 to 35 minutes, until the olive oil simmers. Remove pan and spread sliced eggs on top. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and bake 10 minutes longer. Garnish with remaining 1/2 cup parsley and serve.
