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.

See Also

La Boqueria market in Barcelona

Catalonia Recipes: As with nearly all cultures, Catalonian cooking has great character. Its innovative cooking often looking back to history for inspiration. Although ultimately Mediterranean, Catalonia has been influenced by various cultures over the centuries: the Greeks, Romans, the Italians in the eighteenth century and the French have all left their mark on this complex cuisine. Catalonia has absorbed the best of each country and created a culinary package which forms part of the popular wisdom of the region.

Spanish Salads: During the hot summer months, Spaniards look forward to their cuisine’s rich array of cold soups and salads. Salads range from uncomplicated combinations to more elaborate compositions. With the exception of the seasoned lettuce or escarole leaves that usually accompany roasted lamb or goat, salads are served before the main course