Ligurian-style Sweet and Sour Cod

The Ligurian-style sweet and sour cod is a dish rich in flavors and traditions. Here’s the recipe to prepare this delicious dish.

Ingredients

• 600 g of soaked codfish
• Flour, as needed
• Extra virgin olive oil, for frying
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 100 ml of white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 50 g of pine nuts
• 50 g of sultana raisins
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Start with the preparation of the codfish. If it has not already been done, soak the cod for at least 24 hours, changing the water several times.

2. Once desalted, drain the cod and dry it with some kitchen paper. Cut the cod into medium-sized pieces.

3. Lightly flour the pieces of cod, then heat plenty of olive oil in a frying pan and fry the pieces of fish until they are golden and crispy on both sides.

4. Remove the fried cod and set it aside on paper towels to remove excess oil.

5. In the same pan used for the fish, add more oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced onion until it becomes translucent.

6. Add vinegar, sugar, pine nuts, and raisins. Cook until the liquid reduces and a sweet and sour sauce is formed.

7. Put the pieces of cod back into the pan with the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes, so that the fish absorbs the flavors.

8. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve the Ligurian-style sweet and sour cod hot, possibly accompanied by polenta or crispy bread.

Curiosity

This recipe reflects the history of Ligurian cuisine, which often favors the use of sweet and sour dressings. The combination of fish with dried fruit and the accent given by the raisins and pine nuts are examples of how Ligurian cuisine can blend different tastes to create unique and delicious dishes.