Newfoundland Cod Cookbook: 15 Years of Coastal Culinary Traditions
1. Traditional Newfoundland Fish and Brewis
A quintessential Newfoundland dish that combines salt cod, hard bread (hardtack), and pork scrunchions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salt cod, soaked overnight
- 4-5 hard bread (hardtack) pieces
- 1/4 lb pork scrunchions (salt pork)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Soak salt cod overnight, changing water 2-3 times
- Boil cod until tender, about 15-20 minutes
- Break hard bread into chunks and soften with hot water
- Crisp pork scrunchions in a pan
- Layer softened bread and flaked cod, top with crispy pork bits
2. Pan-fried cod with Newfoundland Dressing
A simple yet iconic way to prepare fresh cod with a local twist.
Ingredients:
- 4 fresh cod fillets
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp savory herbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- Lemon wedges
Preparation:
- Coat cod fillets in seasoned breadcrumbs
- Pan-fry in butter until golden and flaky
- Serve with lemon wedges and traditional Newfoundland dressing
Modern Twists
3. Cod Chowder with Screech Rum
A creamy chowder with a distinctly Newfoundland spirit kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh cod, cubed
- 4 cups fish stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Screech rum
- Potatoes, onions, herbs
- Salt and pepper
Preparation:
- Sauté vegetables in butter
- Add fish stock and potatoes
- Simmer cod until just cooked
- Finish with cream and a splash of Screech
- Garnish with fresh herbs
4. Maple-Glazed Cod with Wild Berries
Combining local seafood with Newfoundland’s famous wild berries.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp wild blueberry compote
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Preparation:
- Brush cod with maple syrup
- Bake at 400°F until fish is flaky
- Top with wild blueberry compote
- Garnish with fresh thyme
Preservation Techniques
5. Salt Cod Cakes
A traditional method of preserving and enjoying cod.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salt cod, soaked and flaked
- 2 potatoes, mashed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- Fresh parsley
- Breadcrumbs for coating
Preparation:
- Mix flaked salt cod with mashed potatoes
- Add onions, eggs, and parsley
- Form into small cakes
- Coat in breadcrumbs
- Pan-fry until golden brown
Pro Tips
- Always soak salt cod thoroughly to reduce saltiness
- Fresh, locally caught cod provides the best flavor
- Don’t overcook cod – it should be flaky and tender
- Experiment with local herbs and seasonal ingredients
Pairing Suggestions
- Newfoundland craft beers
- Local white wines
- Traditional Screech rum
