Creamy Cod Spread

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) dried salted cod 500g (1.1 lb) dried salted cod
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1 cup (240ml) olive oil 1 cup (240ml) olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 30g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 2g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours to remove excess salt.
2. 2.
   Drain the cod and place it in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until the cod is tender.
3. 3.
   Remove the cod from the pot and let it cool slightly. Flake the cod into small pieces, discarding any bones or skin.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm.
5. 5.
   In a food processor or blender, combine the flaked cod, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until well combined.
6. 6.
   With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and warm milk alternately until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Transfer the creamy cod spread to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. 9.
   Serve chilled with crusty bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cod — Ensure that the dried salted cod is properly soaked to remove excess salt. This will prevent the spread from becoming overly salty.
• Olive oil — Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and richness in the spread.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the spread.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Milk — Warm the milk gently over low heat to prevent curdling when blended with the cod.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the spread.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
• Serve the creamy cod spread with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added freshness.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices such as dill, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
• If the spread is too thick, add a splash of milk or olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the creamy cod spread as an appetizer or part of a charcuterie board. Pair it with crusty bread, toasted crostini, or crackers. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Present the creamy cod spread in a shallow dish or ramekin, allowing the smooth texture and creamy white color to shine. Surround it with an assortment of bread slices, crackers, and fresh vegetables for a visually appealing display.