This kind of stew brought back from Greece by the Phocaeans is one of the traditional provençal dishes for “le gros souper”, a meal served just before going to the midnight Mass on Christmas.

2 lb of Scrod (cut in 2 inch cubes)
1 large onion
Olive oil (enough to fry the onion and the cod)
1 Tbsp of flour + 1 cup to roll in the fish pieces
2 cups of red port or wine + 2 cups of water
2 cloves of garlic
Bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf and parsley)
1 Tbsp of tomato paste
2 Tbsp of cornichons, chopped (capers can be substituted)
Salt and pepper to taste

Dried, salted cod is traditionally used for this dish.  It should be soaked in water a day ahead with 3 or 4 changes of water and cooked in water for 1/2 hour.  Then follow the recipe below.

• Brown the sliced onion in olive oil.
• Add the flour and cook slightly.
• Slowly add the wine or port and bring to a boil.
• Add the water.
• Cook gently for 1 hour with the bouquet garni, garlic, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
• Meantime, roll the pieces of fish in the flour and fry them in olive oil until gold on all sides.
• Add the pieces to the wine sauce along with the cornichons and cook gently for an additional 15 minutes.