ESQUEIXADA

Salt Cod with Onion, Tomato, Red Pepper, and Olives (Catalonia)

Esqueixada is a quintessential Catalan salad (esqueixar is Catalan for “to tear”). The main ingredient is always cod. Some versions also include green bell peppers; others eliminate the peppers altogether. I make mine with red only.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salt cod, desalted 
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into very thin rings 
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 
• 2 tomatoes, cut into 1-inch dice 
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into ¼-inch-wide strips 
• ½ cup black olives 
• ⅔ cup Sherry Vinaigrette 

PREPARATION

Tear the cod into small pieces, discarding any skin or bones.
In a bowl, combine the cod and onion, and pour in the olive oil to cover.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or for up to a few hours.
Drain the cod and onion and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, and olives and mix well.
Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate until well chilled and serve cold.

(Spain recipes)