Old-Fashioned Codfish Mashed Potatoes- Union Oyster House

By amaliana

In the early days, it's likely that this dish often would have been made using salted cod-a staple of the New England diet from the days of the earliest settlers. You can still purchase salt cod in the preserved fish sections of many supermarkets. If you'd like to try preparing the fish the old-fashioned way, just follow the package directions for soaking and reconstituting the cod and go easy on any additional salt.

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled potatoes cut into 1-inch dice
• 6 tablespoons butter,divided
• 12 ounces boneless, skinless cod fillets
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a stockpot, boil potatoes until soft.

2. While potatoes are simmering, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a skillet until butter begins to brown. Add cod fillets and cook for 22-3 minutes, until they begin to brown slightly.

3. Add garlic, turn fish over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until lightly browned.

4. Add milk, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes, or until fish begins to flake apart. Remove from heat and keep warm.

5. Drain the potatoes and transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.

6. Gently fold in cooked cod. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.