Lutefisk (dried cod soaked in lye)

Instructions

1. Soak the dried cod in cold water for 4 to 5 days, changing the water twice a day, until it plumps up and becomes supple.
2. Drain the fish and cut it into pieces about 8 cm long. Dissolve the caustic soda in 2 litres of cold water, stirring with a wooden spoon and wearing gloves to protect your hands.
3. Place the fish in the alkaline solution, cover and leave it to soak for 2 days in a cool place, turning the pieces once a day.
4. Rinse the fish thoroughly under cold running water for 1 hour to remove all traces of soda, then soak it for another 2 hours in fresh cold water.
5. Place the lutefisk in a colander and cover it with a damp cloth. Steam it for 25 to 30 minutes, until the flesh separates into large flakes.
6. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water for 20 minutes, until a knife slides through easily.
7. Cook the peas for 5 minutes in boiling salted water, then drain. If using bacon, fry it dry until crisp.
8. Melt the butter over low heat with the parsley and a pinch of salt. Serve the lutefisk hot with the potatoes, peas, parsley butter and bacon if using.