Cod Brandade

Cod Brandade is a classic Mediterranean dish that combines flaky fish with smooth mashed potatoes. This version uses simple ingredients to create a creamy texture that works perfectly for a light lunch or a starter. You can serve it warm with crusty bread or crackers. It is a great way to enjoy fish in a comforting and filling format.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Cod Brandade

Good reasons to make cod brandade

This cod brandade recipe is very easy to make and uses common pantry staples like potatoes and olive oil. The combination of garlic and milk creates a rich flavour without being too heavy. It is a versatile meal that fits well into a healthy diet. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you are ready to eat.

A step-by-step guide to cod brandade

Step 1
Prepare potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small even chunks. Place them in a large saucepan of salted water and bring to the boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until they are completely tender. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside in the pan to stay warm.
Step 2
Poach fish: Place the cod fillets and crushed garlic in a small saucepan while the potatoes cook. Cover the fish with the milk and simmer gently over a low heat for 10 minutes. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when touched with a fork. Remove the cod from the milk and keep the liquid for later.
Step 3
Mash mixture: Flake the cooked cod into the saucepan with the cooked potatoes and remove any skin or bones. Use a potato masher to crush the fish and potatoes together until they are well combined. Gradually pour in the olive oil while you continue to mash the mixture. The texture should start to become smooth and creamy.
Step 4
Finish dish: Add a few splashes of the warm poaching milk to reach your desired consistency. Season the mixture with salt and pepper then stir in the fresh parsley. Serve your Cod Brandade warm in small bowls with some toasted bread on the side.

Useful tips for cod brandade

For a smoother cod brandade, you can use an electric whisk to blend the fish and potatoes together. This creates a lighter and fluffier texture that is very traditional. Make sure the potatoes are very soft before mashing to avoid any lumps in the final dish. You can add more garlic if you prefer a stronger flavour in your meal.

If you want a golden top, place the mixture in an ovenproof dish and grill it for a few minutes before serving. This adds a lovely crunch that contrasts with the creamy centre. Always use high quality olive oil as it provides a lot of the flavour in this recipe.

Find more ideas here: prawns with melon, salmon wrap or salted almonds.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 400 g cod fillets
  • 400 g potatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 tablespoon parsley

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:1548 kJ / 370 kcal
  • Fat:24 g
  • - of which saturates:3 g
  • Carbohydrates:18 g
  • - of which sugars:2 g
  • Protein:22 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:450 mg

People also ask

You can use frozen fish for cod brandade as long as it is fully defrosted before you start cooking. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture after defrosting. This helps maintain the thick and creamy texture of the potato and fish mixture.
You can store cod brandade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to serve it again, reheat it gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk. Stir it constantly so the texture remains smooth and does not become dry.
The most traditional way to enjoy cod brandade is with warm crusty bread or toasted baguette slices. It also works very well as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks or spread onto plain crackers. For a fuller meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a simple dressing.
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4.7 / 5 - (22 ratings)