1-2garlic clovesminced or grated, depending on size and taste
salt and pepper according to taste
olive oiloptional, for drizzling
extra chopped parsleyoptional, for garnishing
Instructions
Once the soaking process is complete, transfer the desalted cod to a pot of fresh, cold water.
Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmer the cod for approximately 5-10 minutes or until it easily flakes with a fork. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking, which may produce a mushy texture.
After boiling, drain and allow the cod to cool before handling.
Gently flake the boiled cod into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones that may be present.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil with the juice of one lemon (about 4 tablespoons).
Add the thinly sliced celery stalks, chopped Italian parsley, and the grated/pressed garlic. Combine well.
Pour the dressing over the flaked salted cod and gently toss it to coat each piece.
Taste and make any final adjustments to your liking. A pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a subtle extra note of garlic – tailor it to your taste.TIP: After assembling the salad, refrigerate it for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Transfer to a serving platter and before serving, add a final drizzle of olive oil. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Video
Notes
Soaking the salt cod: Follow these steps to prepare the salted cod for the salad:
Cut into large pieces: Before the salted cod goes through the soaking process, cut it into large pieces. This initial preparation makes the fish more manageable and ensures even desalting.
Rinse the fish: Before starting the soaking process, thoroughly rinse the salted cod under cold running water. This initial rinsing helps remove surface salt and kickstarts the desalting process.
Soaking duration: Soaking is crucial to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish. Depending on the thickness of the salted cod, soak the cod pieces for 48-72 hours.
Water changes: Change the soaking water at least twice daily to expedite desalting. The clear, freshwater helps draw out the remaining salt from the fish.
Ensure full submersion: Fully submerge the salt cod in the water during soaking. This ensures even desalting and prevents any concentrated salty spots.
Refrigeration: Refrigerate the salted cod while it soaks. This not only aids in preventing bacterial growth but also slows down the process, allowing for a more controlled desalting.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.