What is Salt cod?

Salt cod is dried, salted cod. It looks pretty unappetising - a bit like a dried-up leather shoe - until it's rehydrated, after which it softens and tastes delicious when cooked. Salt cod is widely used in Mediterranean countries, particularly France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, as well as in tropical countries where it keeps well despite the hot temperatures.

It's called bacalhau in Portugal and, served with potatoes, is considered the national dish. In Italy it's called baccalà and is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve in some parts of the country. In France, salt cod is the basis for a dish called brandade - salt cod mixed with potato and garlic. To rehydrate it, salt cod should be soaked in cold water for 24 to 48 hours and the water should be frequently changed. It can then be poached or baked, used in stews, fishcakes or fish mousses.

Portuguese cod cakes