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Pici with Whipped Salt Cod and Leeks

17/11/2023

Pici with whipped salt cod and leeks is a dish that combines the Tuscan tradition of pici, a type of handmade thick spaghetti, with a classic of the Northern Italian cuisine, whipped salt cod. The leek adds a subtle sweetness and a pleasant texture. Here is how to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

  • 400 g of pici (or alternatively, spaghetti or bucatini)
  • 300 g of pre-soaked salt cod
  • 3 leeks
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • 100 ml of cream (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the salt cod: Start by cleaning the cod from any bones and skin and cut it into pieces. Put it in a pot, cover it with cold water and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, then turn off the heat and let the cod cool in its cooking water.

  2. Cook and whip the salt cod: Once it is cool, drain the salt cod and, using a mixer or a fork, work it until it becomes creamy. During this process, gradually add some extra virgin olive oil, until you get a soft and foamy consistency. If you wish, you may add a bit of cream to make the mixture richer.

  3. Prepare the leeks: Clean the leeks, removing the harder outer parts and the roots, slice them into thin rings, and sauté them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and the garlic cloves. Cook over low heat until the leeks are soft and golden. Remove the garlic once it’s browned.

  4. Cook the pici: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pici according to the package’s cooking times. If you make homemade pici, remember that they need a slightly longer cooking time compared to dried pasta.

  5. Combine the pici with the sauce: Drain the pici al dente and pour them into the pan with the leeks, adding a little cooking water to blend well. Add the whipped salt cod to the leeks, mixing gently so as not to break the pici.

  6. Finish and presentation: Plate the hot pici, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and a grinding of black pepper. If you like, you can add a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil.

Curiosity

Pici are a type of pasta typical of Tuscan cuisine, especially from the area around Siena. They are known for their rough texture which holds the sauce well. Whipped salt cod is a typical Venetian preparation and pairs excellently with the simple and genuine flavors of leeks and homemade pasta.

Pici with Whipped Salt Cod and Leeks