FISH STEW WITH SALT COD AND GREEN OLIVES

Fish Stew with Salt Cod and Green Olives image

Provided by Food Network

Time 11h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds salt cod, baccalao or pesce stocca
1/2 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 to 3 bay leaves
1 cup large green cured olives, stones removed
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 quarts water
1 cup plum tomatoes, crushed
2 pounds small potatoes, peeled

Steps:

Wash cod under cold running water. Soak cod in cold water, refrigerated, overnight, changing the water 4 times. Drain and dry the cod. The fish may be cut into large bite-size chunks.
In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the fish to the hot oil and crush the fiber of the fish with the back of a wooden spoon. Add the garlic, bay leaves and olives. Saute the mixture. Add the tomato paste and stir. Add the water and bring to the boil. Skim the surface of white floating particles. Add the plum tomatoes and again bring to the boil. Simmer for 2 hours. Add the potatoes and cook for 1 additional hour. Serve the stew in bowls with crusty bread.