18 Portuguese Salt Cod Recipe Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 10, 2024
Portuguese cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved and iconic recipes is Portuguese salt cod. This dish, also known as "Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá," is a traditional salted cod dish that has been enjoyed by generations of Portuguese families. It is a staple of Portuguese cuisine and is often served on special occasions and holidays. In this article, we will dive into the history of this famous dish, explore its traditional ingredients and cooking methods, and provide you with a delicious and authentic Portuguese salt cod recipe to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Cod Fillets, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Milk, Vidalia
This classic Portuguese dish combines salt cod with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and peppers for a hearty and flavorful stew. It's a perfect comfort food on a cold day, and a great way to introduce yourself to the flavors of Portuguese cuisine.
In this recipe, salt cod is combined with a variety of fresh fish, such as haddock, tilapia, and salmon, for a delicious and filling seafood stew. The addition of herbs and spices like paprika, bay leaves, and oregano give this stew a unique Portuguese twist.
These crispy and flavorful fritters are a popular appetizer in Portugal. Made with a batter of salt cod, potatoes, and herbs, they are fried to perfection and served with a flavorful dipping sauce.
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Portuguese Cod (A Gomes de Sa)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Bay
This traditional Portuguese dish is made with layers of salt cod, potatoes, and onions, and topped with a creamy sauce made with milk, eggs, and olive oil. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy salt cod.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad with Salt Cod
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Water, Salt Cod, Sweet Onion, Garlic, Olive
This refreshing salad combines salt cod with chickpeas, peppers, tomatoes, and olives for a light and flavorful dish. The addition of bacalhau gives it an extra boost of protein and flavor.
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Portuguese Salted Cod Fritters (pastéis De Bacalhau)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Olive
Similar to the salt cod fritters mentioned earlier, these pastéis de bacalhau are a popular street food in Portugal. They are served hot and crispy, and are a great snack or appetizer.
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Portuguese cod, caramelized onion and potato casserole...
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Potatoes, Kosher Salt, Milk, Extra Virgin
This hearty and flavorful casserole is a staple in Portuguese households. Layers of salt cod, caramelized onions, and potatoes are baked together with a creamy sauce made with milk, eggs, and olive oil.
This dish is a classic in Portuguese cuisine and is made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, and a flavorful broth. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner.
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Portuguese Orange Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Oranges, All
This simple but delicious cake is a staple in Portuguese bakeries. Made with fresh orange juice and zest, it's a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect after a heavy meal.
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Portuguese Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Fresh
This salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Portugal without using salt cod. It combines chickpeas with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs for a light and refreshing dish.
Kale is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, and this soup is a perfect example of how it can be used in traditional dishes. Along with potatoes, onions, and carrots, it's a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for chilly days.
This dish is a staple in Portuguese households and is made with white beans, linguiça (a type of Portuguese sausage), and flavorful herbs and spices. It's a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a cold winter night.
This popular dessert is a must-try for anyone visiting Portugal. Made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg custard filling, it's a sweet and indulgent treat.
This simple but flavorful dish is a great way to showcase the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. Fresh fish is baked with a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and served with rice or potatoes.
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Spicy Portuguese Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Large Shallot, Garlic, Olive Oil, Shrimp, White Wine
This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their food. Shrimp is cooked in a spicy tomato and garlic sauce, and served with rice or bread to soak up all the flavorful juices.
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Portuguese Style Baked Eggs
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red
This dish is perfect for breakfast or brunch and is a great way to use up leftover bacalhau. The eggs are baked in a flavorful tomato and onion sauce, and served with crusty bread for dipping.
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Portuguese Chicken and Crispy Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Marinade, Ancho Chilies, Smoked
This dish is a classic in Portuguese cuisine and is perfect for a family dinner. Chicken is roasted with potatoes and a variety of herbs and spices, resulting in a flavorful and comforting meal.
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Peri-peri Chicken, the Spicy Portuguese Chicken
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Chili, Garlic, Lemon, Paprika, Bay Leaf
This dish is inspired by the popular Portuguese frango assado, or grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated in a spicy peri-peri sauce and grilled to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and fiery meal.
This dish is a fusion of Portuguese and African flavors, as it originated in Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony. Shrimp is cooked in a spicy sauce made with beer, garlic, and spices, and served with rice or bread.
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Portuguese Rolls – Papo Secos
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, Warm
No Portuguese meal is complete without some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauces and juices. These rolls, also known as papo secos, are a staple in Portuguese bakeries and are perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal.
The History of Portuguese Salt Cod
The history of Portuguese salt cod dates back to the 16th century when Portuguese fishermen discovered the abundant cod fisheries off the coast of Newfoundland. They quickly realized the potential of this fish and began preserving it with salt, allowing them to bring it back to Portugal and sell it to the rest of Europe. This trade was highly profitable and became a major industry for Portugal, leading to the development of many traditional salt cod recipes, including the famous Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.
The Traditional Ingredients and Cooking Methods
The key ingredient in Portuguese salt cod is, of course, the salted cod itself. The cod is first soaked in water for 24 hours to remove the excess salt, then boiled until it becomes tender. Other essential ingredients include potatoes, onions, garlic, and olives. These ingredients are layered in a casserole dish, and the cod is added on top, along with a generous amount of olive oil and a sprinkling of parsley. The dish is then baked in the oven until the flavors have melded together, creating a delicious and hearty meal.
The Authentic Portuguese Salt Cod Recipe
Now that you know a bit of the history and traditional ingredients of Portuguese salt cod, it's time to try making it yourself! Here is an authentic recipe for Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá that will transport you to the sunny shores of Portugal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb salt cod
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of pitted black olives
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by soaking the salt cod in water for 24 hours, changing the water every 6-8 hours.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a large pot, boil the cod for 15-20 minutes until it becomes tender. Drain and set aside.
4. In a casserole dish, layer the potatoes, onions, garlic, and olives.
5. Place the cod on top of the layered ingredients.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the cod and sprinkle with parsley.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cod is flaky.
9. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Portuguese salt cod!
With its rich history and flavorful ingredients, Portuguese salt cod is a dish that truly captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a hearty and comforting meal, this traditional recipe is sure to please. So why not give it a try and experience the taste of Portugal in your own kitchen?