Raw Cod with Orange Zest (Baccalà crudo con scorze d’arancia)

This Raw Cod with Orange Zest recipe is a delicate and flavorful dish that hails from the culinary traditions of Italy. This recipe beautifully marries the freshness of cod with the zesty aroma of oranges. Popular in regions along the Italian coast, it’s a testament to Italy’s love for seafood and its ability to blend simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. The inclusion of orange zest not only adds a burst of citrusy freshness but also pays homage to the Mediterranean’s abundant citrus orchards.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

Cod fillet (dissalted): approximately 8.8 oz (250g)
Laurentina Onion: 1/4
Untreated Oranges: 2
Fresh Liquid Cream: 8 cl
Lemon: 1/2
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: as needed
Common Sea Salt: as needed
Maldon Salt (a natural English sea salt in very small crumbly flakes from Maldon): as needed

Note: If Maldon salt is hard to find, you can use any flaky sea salt as a substitute.

Preparation Instructions

Peel the oranges, ensuring you only remove the orange part. Dry the peels in an oven at a low temperature (around 60°C). Once dried, blend them and sieve to obtain a fine powder. Store this powder in an airtight jar.
Pour the cream into a bowl, add lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Mix gently. Refrigerate and let it rest for 12 hours. Afterward, incorporate the finely chopped onion.
Cut the cod into cubes of about 2 cm each. Spread the cream at the bottom of 4 bowls and place 2 cubes of raw fish in each. Season with olive oil, common sea salt, Maldon salt, and sprinkle with the orange zest powder and gray salt grains. Garnish with thin rings of onion and tomato wedges. Serve with toasted brioche bread.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any other fish instead of cod? Yes, while cod is traditional, you can use other firm white fish. However, the taste and texture might vary.
Is there an alternative to Maldon salt? Yes, if you can’t find Maldon salt, any flaky sea salt will do.
Can I use store-bought orange zest? Fresh orange zest is recommended for its vibrant flavor, but if unavailable, store-bought zest can be used in moderation.

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