Cod Basque Style Food

COD BASQUAISE

Steps:

• Season one side of the cod fillets with a pinch of salt, a pinch of espelette pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, arrange chorizo coins around the edge of the pan; then place the cod fillets, spiced side down, in the center. Sear the fillets until they are lightly golden on one side, about 30 seconds; then remove from the pan and set aside, spiced side up. Flip chorizo coins and continue to sear until they release some fat, 1 minute.
• Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Add sliced onions and peppers; stir, then season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss or stir to combine, then add a pinch of espelette pepper and a pinch of paprika. Stir and sweat until vegetables are soft but have taken on no color, 6-8 minutes.
• To the vegetables, add chopped garlic and 1 more tablespoon olive oil; toss and stir. Add the tomato paste and white wine, stir, and simmer for about 30 seconds. Add the sliced tomatoes. Continue simmering until the pan is nearly dry ("au sec"), 5-7 minutes. Add water, then nestle cod fillets into the vegetables, spiced side up. Reduce heat to low and poach the fish, uncovered, until cooked, 10-15 minutes.
• Cod is done when it's no longer translucent. Garnish the dish with parsley leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

BACALAO A LA VIZCAINA (BASQUE STYLE CODFISH STEW)

Steps:

• Soak the salted cod in about 2 quarts of water, changing the water 3 times over the course of 8 hours. Drain and cut the fish into bite-size pieces.
• Layer the half of each ingredient in the following order: potatoes, cod fish, onions, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, olives, roasted red peppers, and raisins. Place the bay leaf on top, then pour half the tomato sauce and half the olive oil. Repeat with the remaining ingredients in the same order. Pour the water and white wine on top. Do not stir.
• Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

COD BASQUE STYLE

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 400°F
• Arrange the prepared potatoes in the bottom of a large shallow ovenproof dish. Pour on half the stock.
• Brush each fillet with lemon juice and sprinkle with 1 tsp old bay. Dot with knobs of butter.
• Cover and cook for approximately 35-45 minutes or until the fish is cooked and potatoes are just tender.
• Without disturbing the fish and potatoes, drain off and reserve the stock. Cover the dish and keep warm.
• For the sauce, melt the remaining butter in a saucepan and fry the onion until golden. Stir in the cornstarch, tomato paste, cayenne pepper,thyme and remaining old bay. Make the drained stock up to 2 1/2 cups using remaining stock and blend into the pan.
• Add the mushrooms and peppers. Bring to the boil, stirring and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Pour the sauce over the fish and garnish with twists of lemon. Serve with green vegetables.