About Salt Cod

A good fishmonger should stock salt cod, or be able to get it for you. You can also find it in delicatessens and even some supermarkets. Buy salt cod that is as thick as possible, without any yellowing, which happens when it has been badly stored. Wash as much salt from the fish as you can and then soak it, skin side up, in plenty of cold water in the fridge for a day or so. Change the water two or three times during this period. Even better, and quicker, would be to have a constant flow of water running over the fish, although I admit this is hardly feasible in an average kitchen. The fish should not taste overly salty at the end of the soaking period; the only way to check it is to taste a bit.