Ingredients

2 lbs salt cod fish
3 garlic cloves
3 bay leaves
2 medium leeks , finely chopped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pinch cayenne pepper
salt and black pepper , to taste
5 ounces gruyere cheese , grated
1/4 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
cured black olives ( to garnish )
Salt Cod and Leek Gratin is a traditional dish that originated in France, but it is also popular in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The combination of flaked salt cod and sautéed leeks is topped with a creamy cheese sauce and then baked until golden and bubbly. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a warm and comforting meal during the colder months.

Instructions

1.Soak the salt cod in water for at least 24 hours, changing the water 2-3 times to remove excess salt.
2.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3.Drain the cod, rinse, and pat dry.
4.In a large pot of boiling water, add the cod, garlic cloves, and bay leaves and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
5.Remove the cod from the water and flake into large pieces, discarding any skin or bones.
6.Wash the leeks and slice them into thin rounds.
7.In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together.
8.Add the leeks and sauté until they are softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
9.Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
10.In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
11.Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
12.Add the grated cheese and continue cooking and stirring until the cheese is melted and the mixture is thick and bubbly.
13.In a baking dish, layer the flaked cod and sautéed leeks.
14.Pour the cheese sauce over top, spreading it to cover the fish and leeks evenly.
15.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the gratin is hot and bubbly.
16.Garnish with chopped black olives before serving.

PROS

This dish is a delicious and hearty way to enjoy salt cod, a traditional ingredient in many European countries.

It is high in protein and rich in flavor, with a creamy and cheesy sauce that complements the salty fish perfectly.

CONS

One downside of using salt cod is that it requires soaking in water for 24 hours to remove excess salt, which can be time-consuming.

The dish is also fairly high in fat due to the cheese sauce, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Salt cod is a good source of protein, with 26 grams per 3.5 ounces.
It is also rich in vitamin B12, which is important for brain and nervous system health.
Leeks are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone health.
However, this dish is fairly high in fat and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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