Brandacujun (Salted Cod and Potato Dish)
Category: Antipasti
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salted Cod (Stoccafisso) | 600g |
| Potatoes | 300g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 100g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Parsley | 15g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Salt | to taste |
| White Pepper | to taste |
Instructions
This traditional Italian antipasto, Brandacujun, offers a delightful blend of tender, flaky salted cod and soft potatoes, all infused with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Hereโs how you can prepare this delectable dish:
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by cutting the pre-soaked salted cod (stoccafisso) into fairly large chunks. Once the cod is prepared, peel and cut the potatoes into thick, bite-sized cubes.
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Chop and Prepare: Wash and finely chop the parsley. Zest the lemon, making sure to get only the yellow part of the peel.
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Cook the Cod: In a large pot, place the pieces of salted cod. The cod will start to break down and flake as it cooks. Let it simmer on medium heat until it is fully cooked and begins to break apart (about 20 minutes).
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Prepare the Cooking Pan: In another large pan, heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sautรฉ it until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked salted cod and potatoes to the pan with the garlic. Pour in the remaining olive oil, and stir well to coat everything evenly.
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Slow Cook: Cover the pan with a lid and let the ingredients cook together on low heat. Rotate the pan every 5-7 minutes to stir and ensure everything cooks evenly. Add more olive oil as needed throughout the cooking process.
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Final Touches: After about 1 hour, when the cod has fully flaked and the potatoes are tender, taste and add salt and white pepper to your liking. Remove the pan from the heat once everything is perfectly combined.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Brandacujun to serving plates, garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkling of lemon zest for a touch of brightness. Serve warm as a delicious antipasto.
This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect as a starter for a meal or as part of a hearty spread. The combination of the salty cod, creamy potatoes, and rich olive oil creates a comforting and flavorful bite with every spoonful.
Enjoy this classic dish and let its rich flavors bring a taste of Italian tradition to your table.
