otterlyslick
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Portuguese Bacalhau, and it was an incredible culinary adventure! Bacalhau, or salted cod, is a staple in Portuguese cuisine and can be prepared in countless ways. This recipe features a classic baked version with potatoes, onions, and olives, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s how you can make this delicious and traditional dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) salted cod (bacalhau)
- 1 1/2 lbs (700g) potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salted Cod:
- Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove excess salt.
- Soak the cod in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water several times to desalinate it.
- Once desalinated, drain and pat the cod dry. Remove any skin and bones, then flake the cod into large pieces.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the thinly sliced potatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked potatoes on the bottom.
- Add a layer of flaked cod over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cod, and onions.
5. Add Milk and Bake:
- Pour the milk evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
6. Add Garnishes and Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and add the sliced hard-boiled eggs and black olives on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling.
7. Serve:
- Remove the Bacalhau from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Conclusion
Portuguese Bacalhau is a rich and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Portugal right to your kitchen. The combination of tender salted cod, creamy potatoes, sweet onions, and briny olives is simply irresistible. Perfect for a family meal or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious taste and beautiful presentation. Enjoy a taste of Portugal with this classic Bacalhau recipe!
