Escondido Codfish Salad Recipes

PASTA WITH SMOKED MUSSELS AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes; do not let it brown. Add the tomatoes and cook just until heated through, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mussels, parsley, basil, salt and pepper.
• Place the linguine in a large bowl and toss with the mussel mixture and the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

ESCONDIDO CODFISH SALAD

Steps:

• If using dried codfish, cover the codfish with boiling water. Set aside to cool. Drain. Bone, skin and shred the fish. Add boiling water to cover. Set aside to cool. Drain. Pat dry.
• If using fresh codfish, place the fish on a rack and steam over 1 inch of water until cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Refrigerate until chilled. Skin and shred the fish.
• Combine the lime and lemon juices, lime rind, jalapeno, sugar and salt in a glass or ceramic bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the cod and refrigerate for 1 hour. Add the remaining ingredients. Toss to combine. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper and serve.

MAINE FISH CHOWDER

Steps:

• In a heavy pot over medium heat, cook fatback until nearly crisp. Add onions, stir, and reduce heat to low. "Chip" a potato by holding it in one hand and turning it slowly while using a sharp paring knife to cut quarter-moon-shaped quarter-inch-thick slices directly into pot, creating an even layer. Chips will have a thick end, which will remain intact, and a thin end, which will dissolve and thicken broth. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
• Add fish in an even layer, then crumbled crackers in an even layer. Do not stir. Add cold water until it nearly covers layers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover, and simmer until potato is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove lid, add evaporated milk, bring to a simmer, and stir. Serve with additional crackers, if desired.

FISH TACOS

Steps:

• Dust fish pieces with seasoned flour. Mix together flour, water, egg and baking soda. The batter should be the consistency of heavy cream. A few lumps are okay.
• Heat oil to a depth of two inches in a deep pot to 375 degrees. Dip fish into batter and lower into oil, a few pieces at a time, and fry until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
• Steam tortillas (see potato tacos). Use two tortillas for each taco, laying one tortilla on another (to insure sturdiness), and fill with 1 to 2 pieces of fish, cabbage, tomato, onion, cilantro and crema or sour cream. For Ensenada-style taco, thin the mayonnaise with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water and spread on tortillas. Fill as above and top with guacamole. Serve both taco varieties with lime wedges and salsa.

CARIBBEAN CODFISH SALAD

Steps:

• Place salt cod in cold water to cover. Place in fridge for 24 hours, changing water 2-3 times.
• Debone and skin if needed. Cut into 1 " pieces.
• In a 2 quart saucepan place fish with water to cover, simmer gently until fish flakes easily, about 10 mn.
• Cut avocado into bite size pieces, toss with onion, tomatoes, olives and fish.
• Whisk oil, lemon or lime juice and pepper. Toss with salad.

JERK FISH

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor combine jerk sauce, water, onion, thyme, scallion, pepper and sherry, if desired, and puree until smooth. Pour the mixture into a glass or ceramic baking dish. Place fish in the marinade and coat well. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Prepare grill. Remove fish from marinade and pat dry. Grill 5 to 8 minutes on each side, until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with rice and additional jerk sauce, to taste.