Esqueixada (in Catalan; Valencian pronounced as /əskəˈʃaðə/) is a traditional Catalan dish, a salad of shredded salt cod, tomatoes, onions, olive oil and vinegar, salt, and sometimes a garnish of olives or hard-boiled eggs.[1] [2] Specific recipes vary, with some including ingredients such as eggplant and bell peppers.[1] [2] [3] Esqueixada is particularly popular in warm weather and is sometimes considered a summertime dish.[1] [2] It is often served as a tapas dish.[4]
Esqueixada is sometimes described as the "Catalan ceviche" because it is made with raw fish (although the cod is salt-cured and dried) in a marinade.[1] The name of the dish comes from the Catalan verb esqueixar, to tear or shred.[1] The salt cod in the dish is always shredded with the fingers, never sliced or chopped, to achieve the correct texture.[1] [2]