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Salt Cod with Leeks & Potatoes Pisana Style [Baccalà coi Porri]

This Salt Cod with Leeks recipe brings a touch of Tuscany to your table. Featuring tender cod, sweet leeks, and hearty potatoes simmering togheter with milk, it's a simple dish with delicate flavors.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cod with Leeks, Pisan style Cod, Salt Cod with Leeks
Servings: 2
Author: Guido Pasquariello

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces desalted Salt Cod
  • 1 leek
  • 2 medium-sized potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • Flour for dusting
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fine salt to taste

Instructions

  • Clean and Slice Leek: Start by cleaning the leek. Remove the outer layer, then slice it into rings.
    1 leek
  • Sauté Leek and Potatoes: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add the leek and potatoes that you've peeled and diced. Cook them until they're slightly soft.
    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 medium-sized potatoes
  • Prepare and Cook Salt Cod: Cut the cod into bite-sized pieces and lightly dust them with flour. Add the cod to the skillet and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until they start to brown.
    7 ounces desalted Salt Cod, Flour for dusting
  • Simmer with Milk: Pour the milk over the cod, leeks, and potatoes in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover with a lid and let it cook on low heat for at least 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
    1 cup milk, Black pepper to taste, Fine salt to taste
  • Serve Hot: Dish out the Cod with Leeks while it's still hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

  • If salt cod isn't available, fresh cod or another firm white fish can be used instead. Remember to adjust seasoning as fresh fish isn't as salty.
  • In the absence of leeks, a combination of onions and garlic can serve as a substitute. Use one small onion and one garlic clove to replace one leek for a similar flavor profile.
  • For those who are lactose intolerant, lactose-free milk or neutral-flavored plant-based milks like almond or soy can be used. Vegetable broth is also a suitable alternative to keep the dish rich and satisfying.
  • To ensure even cooking, dice the potatoes into small, uniform pieces and keep fish pieces bite-sized. This helps in achieving consistent texture and doneness.
  • If the sauce appears too thin, consider simmering the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow reduction. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry can be added to thicken the sauce effectively without altering its taste.