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