Salt cod, also known as bacalao, is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine that has been utilized for centuries. This preserved fish offers a unique flavor and texture to many traditional dishes, and one of the most popular ways to prepare it is in a hearty stew. While the process of preparing salt cod may seem daunting, this authentic Mexican salt cod recipe breaks it down into simple steps that anyone can follow.
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Garlic, Large
Ackee and saltfish is a classic Jamaican dish that combines the unique flavors of ackee, a fruit native to West Africa, and salted cod. This dish is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and is often served for breakfast with fried dumplings, plantains, and boiled green bananas. The combination of the buttery ackee and savory saltfish makes for a delicious and hearty meal.
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MEXICAN STYLE SALTED COD
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Plum Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic
Mexican style salted cod, also known as bacalao a la Mexicana, is a popular dish in Mexico that is typically served during Lent. The salted cod is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and a variety of spices. This dish is often served with rice, beans, and tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Style Salted Cod / Bacalao Mexicano a la...
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Plum Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic
Mexican style salted cod is a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Some popular variations include adding potatoes, olives, or even pineapple to the dish. No matter how it's prepared, this dish is flavorful and comforting.
Baccala, or salted cod, is a staple in Italian cuisine. The fish is soaked in water for several days to remove the excess salt, then cooked with tomatoes, onions, and herbs. This dish is often served with polenta or crusty bread for a filling and delicious meal.
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Baccala alla Napoletana
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Pepper, Yukon
Baccala alla Napoletana is a popular Italian dish that originated in the city of Naples. The salted cod is cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies for a burst of flavor. This dish is often served with a side of pasta or crusty bread.
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BACCALA (SALT COD)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves
Baccala, or salt cod, is a popular dish in many cultures, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. The fish is cured with salt and dried, then rehydrated and cooked in a variety of ways. Baccala is often served for special occasions and holidays.
Salt cod fritters, also known as bacalhau fritters, are a popular dish in Portugal. The salted cod is mixed with potatoes, onions, and herbs, then formed into balls and fried to a golden crisp. These fritters are a delicious appetizer or snack.
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Traditional Italian Baccala with Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Chopped
In this traditional Italian dish, salt cod is cooked with chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal. The chickpeas add a nice texture and make this dish a complete and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
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My Grandmother’s Bacalao
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Saffron, Hot Water, Yukon Gold Potatoes
This recipe for bacalao is a family favorite passed down from my grandmother. The salted cod is cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and olives for a delicious and comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in with loved ones.
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Slow Cooker Seafood Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Seafood, Salted Cod, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Diced
Cioppino is a traditional Italian seafood stew that is typically made with a variety of fresh seafood. In this version, salted cod is used as a substitute for fresh fish, making it an affordable and delicious alternative. Slow cooked in a rich tomato broth, this dish is perfect for a chilly evening.
This Mexican-style cornbread is a delicious twist on the classic southern recipe. It is made with cornmeal, green chilies, and jalapenos for a spicy kick. Serve this alongside your favorite Mexican dish for a perfect combination of flavors.
Street tacos are a popular and delicious way to enjoy Mexican cuisine. These tacos are made with small corn tortillas and filled with your choice of meat, onions, cilantro, and salsa. They are small in size but big on flavor.
Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine. It is made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices for a flavorful and colorful addition to any meal. Serve alongside your favorite Mexican entree.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
This skinny Mexican casserole is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. It is made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a variety of spices for a tasty and guilt-free meal. Top with some avocado and Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
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Puerto Rican Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, All Purpose Flour, Water, Cornstarch, Bell
Bacalaitos, or codfish fritters, are a popular dish in Puerto Rico. The salted cod is mixed with flour, spices, and herbs, then fried to a golden brown. They are often served as an appetizer or snack and are a beloved part of Puerto Rican cuisine.
This Mexican street corn salad is a fresh and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a lime dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Mexican flan is a classic dessert that is popular in many Latin American countries. It is a rich and creamy custard topped with a decadent caramel sauce. This dessert is a perfect way to end any Mexican meal.
This authentic Mexican rice recipe is a must-have in your recipe collection. It is made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices for a flavorful and authentic side dish. Serve with your favorite Mexican entree for a complete meal.
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Insalata di Baccala (Italian Salt Cod Salad)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
This Italian salt cod salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for warmer weather. The salted cod is mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and olive oil for a tasty and nutritious meal. Serve as a side dish or enjoy it as a light lunch.
Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are often served as a side dish or used as a filling for tacos and burritos. They are cooked with onions, garlic, and spices for a flavorful and hearty addition to any meal. Serve with a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Soaking and Preparing the Salt Cod
Soaking the Cod
Before using salt cod in any recipe, it must be soaked to rehydrate and remove excess salt. This process can take anywhere from 12-24 hours, so it's important to plan ahead. Start by rinsing the salt cod under cold water to remove any surface salt. Then, place the fish in a large bowl and cover it with water. Change the water every 4-6 hours to ensure that the fish is properly desalinated.
Preparing the Cod for Cooking
Once the salt cod is fully soaked, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Begin by removing any bones and skin from the fish. Then, shred the cod into bite-sized pieces. This can be done by hand or with a fork. Some recipes may call for the cod to be flaked, which involves breaking it into smaller pieces and removing any remaining bones. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the shredded or flaked cod under cold water to remove any remaining salt.
Making the Stew
Gather Your Ingredients
To make a traditional Mexican salt cod stew, you will need the soaked and prepared cod, as well as a few other key ingredients. These include diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced potatoes, and a combination of herbs and spices such as oregano, cumin, and bay leaves.
Cooking the Stew
Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot until they become translucent. Next, add the diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to break down. Then, add the shredded or flaked cod to the pot and stir to combine with the other ingredients. Finally, add the potatoes and herbs and spices, along with enough water to cover all of the ingredients. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the stew is ready, it can be served hot with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread. The salt cod will add a unique flavor and texture to the stew, making it a delicious and satisfying dish. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for future meals.
In Conclusion
This authentic Mexican salt cod recipe is a great way to incorporate this traditional ingredient into your cooking. Soaking and preparing the cod may take some time, but the end result is a hearty and flavorful stew that is worth the effort. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Mexican dish.
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