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Portuguese Bacalhau com Batatas: Traditional Salt Cod Bake with Potatoes, Vegetables, and Olives Recipe

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4.3 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 day 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This traditional Portuguese Cod Bacalhau recipe, also known as “bacalhau com batatas,” features flaky salt cod baked over a bed of tender potatoes, sautéed onions, and peppers. Drizzled with rich olive oil, topped with olives and fresh herbs, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Fish

  • 1 1/2 lb dry salt cod
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tbsp peppercorn

Vegetables

  • 6 small yellow potatoes or 2 large, peeled and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Others

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Handful of olives
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the Cod: Start by soaking the dry salt cod in cold water for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours and rinsing the fish under cold running water to remove excess salt and soften it.
  2. Prepare Boiling Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding the bay leaves and peppercorn to infuse flavor.
  3. Hydrate the Cod: Add the soaked cod to the boiling water for 2-3 minutes to hydrate and further remove salt. Then, transfer the cod to a plate and set aside.
  4. Cook the Potatoes: In the same boiling water, add the sliced potatoes and cook until fork-tender but still firm, similar to “al dente” texture. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a bowl.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion slices, minced garlic, and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Arrange a layer of potatoes at the bottom of a baking dish. Over the potatoes, layer the sautéed vegetables evenly. Place the cod fillets on top in a single layer.
  7. Add Olive Oil and Olives: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil generously over the cod and vegetables, then scatter the olives evenly on top.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled dish uncovered for about 30 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

  • If soaking the dry salt cod for 24 hours, be sure to change the water every 3-4 hours for optimal salt removal.
  • The soaking time can be extended up to 48 hours if the cod is particularly thick or salty.
  • You can use either fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish depending on your preference.
  • Be careful not to overcook the potatoes during boiling to ensure they maintain their shape when baked.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Portuguese

Find it online: https://cookinginspirations.com/portuguese-bacalhau-com-batatas-traditional-salt-cod-bake-with-potatoes-vegetables-and-olives-recipe/