Brandada

Photo: flickr user zordor

Ingredients

1 pound salt cod (also called salted codfish)

1 bay leaf

2 pounds russet potatoes peeled, cut into chunks

1 cup olive oil

5 lrg garlic cloves flattened

Lettuce leaves

Fresh Italian parsley chopped

Sliced tomatoes

Olives

French bread baguette cut into 1/2-inch-thic

Preparation

Rinse salt cod under cold water. Place in medium bowl. Cover salt cod with cold water and refrigerate 12 hours, changing water occasionally.

Drain salt cod. Place in medium saucepan. Cover salt cod with fresh cold

Water and add bay leaf. Bring just to boil. Cover, remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Drain salt cod. Remove any skin and bones.

Transfer cod to processor and flake finely.

Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain. Force through ricer into large bowl, or transfer to large bowl and mash with fork. Mix in cod.

Pour oil into heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Discard garlic. Using large fork, gradually work oil into cod potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.)

Line platter with lettuce. Mound brandada in center of platter. Sprinkle

With parsley. Surround with tomatoes, olives and bread.

Serves 8.