Salt Cod Flan

The salt cod flan is a refined and tasty dish that lends itself well to various occasions. Below I illustrate the ingredients and then the procedure to prepare a salt cod flan.

Ingredients

• 400 g already soaked and deboned salt cod
• 250 ml milk
• 2 medium potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• Nutmeg to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter and breadcrumbs for greasing and dusting the molds

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until tender. Once ready, drain, peel, and mash them to obtain a purée.

2. Meanwhile, soak the salt cod in the milk and let it cook over low heat until tender. Then remove from the heat, drain, and let cool.

3. Shred the salt cod by hand or with a fork, removing any remaining bones and obtaining a sort of brandade.

4. In a large bowl, combine the potato purée, salt cod, whole eggs, Parmesan, a dusting of nutmeg, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

5. Butter and dust with breadcrumbs individual ovenproof molds or a larger mold.

6. Pour the mixture into the molds, leveling the surface well.

7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 25-30 minutes or until the surface of the flans is golden and slightly crisp.

8. Remove the flans from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before unmolding.

Serve the salt cod flan hot, perhaps accompanied by a sauce made with fresh tomatoes or a bell pepper cream for an interesting contrast of flavors.

Trivia

The salt cod flan has its roots in Italian culinary tradition, particularly in central and northern Italy, where salt cod has always been highly appreciated. The flan stands out for its soft texture and the delicate flavor of the salt cod, which pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes and the aromatic note of Parmesan.