Fish and brewis

Fish and Brewis

Fish and Brewis is a traditional Newfoundland dish that consists of salted codfish and hard bread, also known as hard tack. It is a staple in Newfoundland cuisine and has been enjoyed by locals for generations.

Ingredients

The main ingredients for Fish and Brewis are:

• Salted codfish: Salted codfish is an essential component of this dish. It is traditionally soaked in water overnight to remove excess salt before cooking.
• Hard bread: Hard bread, also known as hard tack or ship's biscuit, is a type of dry, long-lasting bread that was commonly used by sailors during long voyages. It is an important element in Fish and Brewis, providing a unique texture and flavor.
• Pork fatback: Pork fatback is often used to add flavor and richness to the dish. It is typically rendered and used to fry the fish and bread.
• Onion: Onion is commonly added to Fish and Brewis for additional flavor.

Preparation

To prepare Fish and Brewis, follow these steps:

1. Start by soaking the salted codfish in cold water overnight. This helps to remove excess salt from the fish. 2. The next day, drain the water and place the codfish in a pot. Cover it with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the fish is tender. 3. While the fish is cooking, soak the hard bread in cold water until it softens. This usually takes about 30 minutes. 4. Once the bread is softened, drain the water and squeeze out any excess moisture. 5. In a separate pan, render the pork fatback until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove the crispy bits and set them aside. 6. Add the soaked bread to the pan with the rendered fatback and cook until it becomes golden brown and crispy. 7. Flake the cooked codfish into small pieces and add it to the pan with the bread. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring gently to combine the ingredients. 8. Finally, sprinkle the crispy bits of pork fatback over the Fish and Brewis for added flavor and texture.

Serving

Fish and Brewis is typically served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular serving suggestions include:

• Drawn butter: Melted butter is often drizzled over the Fish and Brewis to add richness and flavor.
• Pease pudding: Pease pudding, a type of savory pudding made from split peas, is a common side dish that pairs well with Fish and Brewis.
• Toutons: Toutons are a traditional Newfoundland bread made from leftover dough. They are often served alongside Fish and Brewis as a delicious addition.

See Also

• Newfoundland Cuisine
• Salted Codfish
• Hard Bread