Cod Sicilian Style
(Merluzzo Alla Siciliana)
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
3 and 1/2 oz (100 grams) salted anchovies, heads removed, cleaned and filleted soaked in cold water for 10 minutes and drained
2 and 1/4 lbs (1 kg) cod, cleaned and boned
1 fresh rosemary sprig, plus extra chopped
2 fresh basil leaves, plus extra chopped
2 oz (50 grams) breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper
3 and 1/2 oz (100 grams) stoned black olives, to garnish
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Gas Mark 6.
Brush an oven-proof dish with olive oil.
Chop the anchovy fillets.
Heat 2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a saucepan, add the anchovies and cook, mashing with a wooden spoon until they have almost completely disintegrated.
Spoon a little of the anchovy mixture inside the cavity of the cod and add the rosemary sprig, basil leaves and remaining olive oil.
Close the cavity.
Spoon the remaining anchovy mixture into the prepared dish, add the fish, sprinkle with chopped rosemary and basil and the breadcrumbs, with salt and pepper to taste and bake for 30 minutes.
Serve surrounded by the olives. Serves 4.