Peru is a country known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, with influences from various cultures such as Spanish, African, and Chinese. One of the dishes that stands out in Peruvian cuisine is the flavorful and hearty bacalao. This traditional dish has been passed down for generations and is a staple in many households. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of bacalao and provide you with a delicious Peruvian recipe to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Garlic, Large
Ackee and saltfish is a traditional Jamaican dish that is often served for breakfast. It is made with salted cod, ackee fruit, and a variety of spices. This dish is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and is often served with boiled green bananas, dumplings, or fried plantains. The combination of the salty fish and creamy ackee fruit creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to please.
2of 20
Salt Cod (Bacalao) with Potatoes over Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Russet Potato, Bell Pepper, Onion, Celery
This dish, also known as bacalao a la vizcaina, is a popular Spanish and Latin American recipe. It consists of salted cod, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables simmered in a tomato-based sauce. The dish is then served over a bed of white rice. The saltiness of the cod is balanced by the sweetness of the sauce, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
3of 20
Bacalaítos Fritos con Bacalao Guisado (Codfish...
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Achiote Seeds, Sofrito, Juice
This Puerto Rican dish is a delicious combination of fried codfish fritters and a stew made with the same fish. The fritters are made with a batter of flour, salt, pepper, and codfish, then deep-fried to a golden brown. The stew is made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and chunks of codfish. The fritters are served on top of the stew, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.
Baccala is a traditional Italian dish that is often served during the Christmas season. It is made with salted cod, potatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. The fish is soaked in water for several days to remove the salt before being cooked. The result is a tender and flavorful dish that is often served with pasta or polenta.
5of 20
Baccala alla Napoletana
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Pepper, Yukon
This Neapolitan dish is a simple yet delicious way to prepare salted cod. The cod is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and olives. The sauce is then served over the fish and topped with parsley and lemon. This dish is often served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
6of 20
BACCALA (SALT COD)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves
This traditional Portuguese dish is made with salted cod, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. The fish is soaked in water for several days to remove the salt before being cooked with the other ingredients. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served with rice or crusty bread.
These crispy and flavorful fritters are a popular appetizer in Portugal. They are made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded salted cod. The fritters are then deep-fried to a golden brown and served with a spicy dipping sauce. They are a perfect snack to enjoy with a cold beer or glass of wine.
8of 20
Traditional Italian Baccala with Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Chopped
This classic Italian dish is a perfect comfort food. It is made with salted cod, chickpeas, and a variety of vegetables and herbs. The fish is cooked in a tomato-based sauce and served over a bed of chickpeas. This dish is full of flavor and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
9of 20
My Grandmother’s Bacalao
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Saffron, Hot Water, Yukon Gold Potatoes
This recipe is a family favorite and has been passed down for generations. It is made with salted cod, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. The fish is cooked until tender and served with a side of rice. The flavors of this dish will transport you to the Mediterranean with every bite.
10of 20
Slow Cooker Seafood Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Seafood, Salted Cod, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Diced
Cioppino is a popular seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. This version is made in a slow cooker, making it a simple and easy meal to prepare. It is made with a variety of seafood, including salted cod, clams, mussels, and shrimp, as well as tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Serve it with crusty bread for a hearty and flavorful meal.
11of 20
Puerto Rican Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, All Purpose Flour, Water, Cornstarch, Bell
These crispy fritters are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. They are made with a batter of flour, water, and shredded salted cod. The fritters are then deep-fried to a golden brown and served with a tangy dipping sauce. They are a delicious and addictive snack that is sure to please.
12of 20
Insalata di Baccala (Italian Salt Cod Salad)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
This refreshing salad is a perfect way to enjoy salted cod during the warmer months. It is made with shredded salted cod, tomatoes, onions, olives, and a variety of herbs and spices. The salad is dressed with olive oil and vinegar, creating a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer lunch.
13of 20
Portuguese Cod (A Gomes de Sa)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Bay
This traditional Portuguese dish is made with salted cod, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables. The fish is cooked in a creamy sauce made with eggs, milk, and olive oil. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that is often served with a side of rice. It is a perfect comfort food for a cold winter night.
14of 20
Norwegian Salt Cod Stew (Bacalao)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Chilis, Large
This hearty stew is a popular dish in Norway and is often served during the Christmas season. It is made with salted cod, potatoes, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The stew is cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop and the fish to become tender. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.
15of 20
Italian Baccala Linguine
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Olive Oil, Grape Tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh
This pasta dish is a delicious and unique way to enjoy salted cod. The fish is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, garlic, and capers. The sauce is then tossed with linguine and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
16of 20
Puerto Rican Gazpacho
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Avocado, White Onion, Large Tomato, Salt
This refreshing and flavorful soup is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, as well as chunks of salted cod. The soup is served chilled and is perfect for a hot summer day. It is also a great way to use up any leftover salted cod from other dishes.
17of 20
Bacalaitos (Salted Cod Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Water, Garlic
These crispy and flavorful fritters are a popular snack in the Dominican Republic. They are made with a batter of flour, water, and shredded salted cod, then deep-fried to a golden brown. The fritters are often served with a spicy dipping sauce and are perfect for a party or gathering.
18of 20
Deep Fried, Battered Salt Cod (Baccalà)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Flour, Milk, Water, Salt, Baking Soda, Oil
This simple and delicious recipe is a popular way to enjoy salted cod in Italy. The fish is coated in a batter made with flour, water, and Italian herbs, then deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. It is often served as an appetizer or alongside a salad for a light and tasty meal.
19of 20
Easy Cod Fritters
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Medium Potatoes, Eggs, Garlic Cloves, Chopped
This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy salted cod. It only requires a few ingredients, including shredded cod, flour, eggs, and spices. The fritters are then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are perfect as a snack or served as a side dish with your favorite meal.
20of 20
Old Fashioned Baltimore Coddies
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Russet Potato, Eggs, Melted Butter, Saltine
These classic Baltimore delicacies are a must-try for any seafood lover. They are made with a mixture of salted cod, mashed potatoes, and a variety of spices, then formed into patties and fried until golden brown. They are often served on a saltine cracker with a side of tartar sauce for a truly delicious and unique snack.
The History of Bacalao in Peru
Bacalao, also known as salted cod, has a long history in Peru. It is believed that the dish was introduced by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The preserved fish was a convenient and reliable source of protein for long sea voyages and was soon adopted by the Peruvian people. Over time, the dish evolved to incorporate local ingredients and cooking techniques, resulting in the unique Peruvian bacalao recipe we know today.
The Key Ingredients
The main ingredient in bacalao is salted cod, which has been soaked in water to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish. Other key ingredients include onions, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of herbs and spices such as cumin, oregano, and aji amarillo. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and aromatic dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
The Cooking Process
To make bacalao, the salted cod is first boiled to remove any remaining salt and then shredded into small pieces. The onions, tomatoes, and peppers are sautéed in a pan until soft, and then the shredded cod is added to the mixture. The herbs and spices are then added, and the dish is left to simmer until the flavors have melded together. Some variations of the recipe also include potatoes or rice to make it a more filling meal.
Enjoying Bacalao in Peru
Bacalao is often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays in Peru, such as Christmas and Easter. It is also a popular dish during Lent, as it is traditionally a meatless dish. In addition to being served as a main course, bacalao can also be found in empanadas, tamales, and other Peruvian dishes.
Try This Authentic Peruvian Recipe at Home
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of bacalao, it's time to try making it yourself at home. This authentic Peruvian recipe is sure to impress your friends and family and transport them to the vibrant flavors of Peru. Don't forget to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to elevate the dish even more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bacalao is a beloved dish in Peruvian cuisine that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by many. Its rich history and unique blend of ingredients make it a must-try for any food lover. So why not give this delicious Peruvian recipe a try and experience the flavors of Peru in your own kitchen.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2020__03__Puerto-Rican-Stew-LEAD-2-7fbf4d352ade46bdbcfb7f0339cdec0b.jpg)
