A specialthy of the coastal city of Kalamata.

This dish consists of the rather unusual combination of cod and raisins and is a specialty of the Greek coastal city of Kalamata in the Southern Peloponnese. This dish is quite easy to make and is an excellent mid-week, comfort meal.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg of cod (salted, fresh or frozen… I used fresh)
• 1/4 kg of onion
• 150 gr. of black raisins
• 75 ml. of olive oil (5 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Method:

• 1. If you’re using salted cod, make sure to soak the cod in water for at least 24 hours, ensuring to change the water several times, to remove the salt.
• 2. Heat olive oil in a cooking pot over medium heat, add chopped (not too finely) onions and sautee lightly for a few minutes; make sure to stir constantly to avoid browning the onion, we want it tender but not burnt.
• 3. Dilute tomato paste in 3/4 cup of water and add to onions, bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
• 4. Add raisins to pot and continue to cook for a couple minutes, then add 8 oz. (1 glass) of water and bring to boil then simmer for approx. 1/2 hour until the raisins have expanded/puffed up.
• 5. Add cod to pot and leave to simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce has reduced, then serve fish with raisin-onion sauce spooned overtop.
• The above quantities result in two (generous) servings, simply double quantities to feed 4.
• For a side, try thinly sliced parsnip fries (fried in oilve oil). A good accompaniment would be a mixed green salad with your choice of dressing.