Brandade de Nimes{Languedoc}
300 gr cod fillet, skinned and boned
150 millilitres olive oil
Half teaspoon rock or sea salt
Two sprigs of thyme
350 grams potatoes
150 millilitres double cream
150 millilitres whole milk
Two garlic cloves peeled
Sea salt and ground pepper
Garlic Bread
Two sprigs of basil with leaves shredded
Baguettes (4 small or 1 large)
1 large clove of garlic, peeled and halved
Extra virgin olive oil to drizzle
This recipe uses fresh cod instead of salted cod.
You can ask your fishmonger to remove all bones, including the pin bones and also the skin (no skin, no bones, no fear!). If there are any small bones left in the fish when you get home, you can remove them yourself, using a kitchen tweezers or a long nose pliers.
Place the cod, olive oil, salt and sprig of thyme in a saucepan. Place the pan over the lowest possible heat. Cook very gently for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it begins to flake easily.
When it begins to flake, remove from the heat and let it cool. Now pour off the oil and save it. Flake the fish into large pieces.
Now, peel the potatoes and cut into small pieces and put them in a saucepan with the cream, milk, garlic, sprig of thyme and some salt and pepper. Simmer them until they are soft, then drain off the liquid and remove the thyme and mash them lightly.
Now you can mix in the flaked cod and add in some of the reserved oil. Taste it and add some more salt or pepper, if you want. Let it cool, then gently stir in the shredded basil.
The brandade is best served at room temperature
Garlic Toast
Preheat the grill to high.
Slice the baguettes diagonally into slices
Grill for about 1 minute until golden, then turn and grill for another minute.
Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the toast with the cut side of the garlic.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Serve the brandade in a bowl with the garlic toast alongside.
General Instructions
Read the recipe several times
Try to go over it in your head first
Make sure you have ALL your ingredients
When cooking, try to be relaxed and not to rush. If you are in a hurry, the results will not be good!