Canadian
Fish and Brewis
A traditional Newfoundland meal of soaked hard bread and salt cod, gently cooked and finished with crisp pork scrunchions. It is hearty, salty, and comforting, with the pork fat soaking into the tender brewis.
Watch it madeNewfie Lifestyle · 16:13
Ingredients
- Salt cod8 oz
- Newfoundland hard bread or hard tack5 oz
- Cold water, for soaking and cookingas needed
- Salt pork or fatback, diced3 oz
- Black pepperto taste
Method
- Rinse the salt cod under cold water, place it in a bowl, cover with plenty of cold water, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, changing the water 2 or 3 times.
- Break the hard bread into large pieces, place it in a separate bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for 8 to 12 hours until softened but still holding some shape.
- Drain the salt cod, place it in a pot, cover with fresh cold water, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the cod for 10 to 15 minutes, until it flakes easily, then lift it out, remove any skin or bones, and flake the fish into large pieces.
- Drain the soaked hard bread, place it in a clean pot, cover with fresh water, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
- Drain the brewis well and return it to the warm pot over low heat.
- Add the flaked salt cod to the brewis and fold gently to combine, moistening with a spoonful or two of the fish cooking water if it seems dry.
- Put the diced salt pork in a small skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the pieces are crisp and the fat has rendered into scrunchions.
- Spoon the fish and brewis into warm bowls, pour the hot scrunchions and rendered pork fat over the top, and finish with black pepper.
Common questions
Can I substitute regular bread or crackers for Newfoundland hard bread in fish and brewis?
Yes, but use a very sturdy substitute like ship’s biscuit, hard tack, or plain dry crackers. Regular bread turns mushy too fast. If using bread, reduce soaking time and watch closely while simmering.
How long does it take to soak and cook fish and brewis from start to finish?
Plan ahead: the salt cod needs 12 to 24 hours soaking, and the brewis needs 8 to 12 hours. Actual cooking is short, usually about 30 to 40 minutes, including simmering both components.
What are the most common mistakes when making fish and brewis?
The biggest mistakes are under-soaking the salt cod, over-soaking the bread, and boiling both too hard. Strong boiling breaks the fish apart and makes the brewis gummy. Keep everything at a gentle simmer and drain well.
How should I store leftover fish and brewis?
Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water if needed. Avoid microwaving too long, which dries out the fish.
What is the best way to serve fish and brewis?
Serve it hot with diced salt pork or fatback sprinkled over top, plus plenty of black pepper. It pairs well with peas pudding, mustard pickles, or buttered bread, and should be moist but not soupy.