17 Scandinavian Salt Cod Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Salt cod, also known as bacalao, has been a staple in Scandinavian cuisine for centuries. This simple and versatile ingredient has been a lifesaver for many sailors and fishermen, providing a source of protein during long journeys at sea. Today, salt cod is still a beloved ingredient in Scandinavian kitchens, and this traditional recipe is a perfect way to experience the authentic flavors of the region.
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Garlic, Large
If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, try adding some Caribbean flair with ackee and saltfish. This Jamaican dish combines the rich and creamy ackee fruit with salted cod for a flavorful and satisfying meal. To make this dish, marinate a whole chicken in a blend of jerk seasoning, lime juice, and thyme. Then, stuff the chicken with a mixture of ackee, saltfish, and scotch bonnet peppers. Roast the chicken on a beer can for a tender and juicy result that will have your taste buds dancing.
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Salt Cod (Bacalao) with Potatoes over Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Russet Potato, Bell Pepper, Onion, Celery
This savory and comforting dish is a staple in many Latin American and Caribbean countries. To make it, simmer salted cod with potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes until the fish is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Serve this hearty and flavorful mixture over a bed of rice for a filling and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a dinner party.
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Bacalaítos Fritos con Bacalao Guisado (Codfish...
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Achiote Seeds, Sofrito, Juice
This Puerto Rican dish is a two-for-one deal, combining fried codfish fritters with a stewed codfish filling. The fritters are made with a batter of flour, salt cod, adobo seasoning, and cilantro, then fried until crispy. The stewed codfish is made with a flavorful blend of onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and potatoes. Together, these two components create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please.
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Squid-Ink Pasta with Salt Cod Confit
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Olive Oil, Fresh Bread Crumbs, Kosher Salt
If you're feeling adventurous, try this unique and visually stunning dish. Squid-ink pasta is cooked until al dente, then tossed with a confit of salt cod, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The result is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for impressing dinner guests or for a special date night at home. Don't be intimidated by the squid-ink pasta, as it adds a subtle briny flavor that pairs perfectly with the salt cod.
This traditional Italian dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy salt cod. The fish is soaked in water for several days to remove excess salt, then poached in a flavorful broth with carrots, celery, onions, and white wine. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that can be served with a side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread. This dish is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal on a chilly evening.
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Baccala alla Napoletana
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flour, Pepper, Yukon
This Neapolitan dish is a classic way to enjoy salt cod in Italy. The fish is simmered in a tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, anchovies, and oregano. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for serving over a bed of pasta or with a side of crusty bread. It's a great option for a weeknight dinner that is sure to please the whole family.
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BACCALA (SALT COD)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves
This simple and delicious dish is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. The salt cod is soaked in water for several days to remove excess salt, then simmered in a flavorful broth with potatoes, carrots, garlic, and bay leaves. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that can be served with a side of rice or crusty bread. This dish is perfect for a hearty and comforting meal that will warm you up on a cold day.
If you're looking for a tasty appetizer or snack, these Portuguese salt cod fritters are the perfect choice. The batter is made with a blend of flour, egg, garlic, and parsley, then mixed with shredded salt cod. The fritters are fried until crispy and golden brown, then served with a side of aioli or hot sauce. They are a great option for a party or game day snack.
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Traditional Italian Baccala with Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Olive Oil, Onion, Celery, Garlic, Chopped
This rustic and flavorful dish is a staple in Italian households during the holiday season. The salt cod is soaked in water, then simmered with chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary. The result is a hearty and satisfying stew that is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or pasta. This dish is a great way to incorporate salt cod into your holiday menu.
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My Grandmother’s Bacalao
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Saffron, Hot Water, Yukon Gold Potatoes
This family recipe is a treasured favorite for many Puerto Rican families. The salt cod is soaked in water, then simmered with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and olives. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve it with a side of rice or plantains for a complete meal.
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Slow Cooker Seafood Cioppino
Main Ingredients: Seafood, Salted Cod, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Diced
This hearty and flavorful stew is a great way to enjoy salt cod and other seafood. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering salt cod, shrimp, mussels, clams, tomatoes, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. The result is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
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Puerto Rican Bacalaitos (Codfish Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, All Purpose Flour, Water, Cornstarch, Bell
These fried codfish fritters are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. The batter is made with a blend of flour, cornmeal, egg, and salt cod, then fried until crispy and golden brown. They are served with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a flavorful and satisfying snack. They are a great option for a party or for enjoying as a tasty appetizer.
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Insalata di Baccala (Italian Salt Cod Salad)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Fresh Parsley
This light and refreshing salad is a perfect way to enjoy salt cod in a different way. The fish is soaked in water, then mixed with a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and red onion. The result is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for serving as a side or as a light lunch. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
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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 a simple and delicious way to enjoy salt cod. The fish is soaked in water, then layered with potatoes, onions, olives, and tomatoes. The layers are seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, then baked until the fish is tender and the potatoes are crispy. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or for entertaining guests.
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Norwegian Salt Cod Stew (Bacalao)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Olive Oil, Garlic, Red Chilis, Large
This hearty and flavorful stew is a staple in Norwegian cuisine. The salt cod is soaked in water, then simmered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and bacon until everything is tender and flavorful. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold winter evening. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.
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Italian Baccala Linguine
Main Ingredients: Baccala, Olive Oil, Grape Tomatoes, Garlic, Fresh
This simple and flavorful pasta dish is a great way to incorporate salt cod into your weekly meal rotation. The fish is simmered with cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and white wine until it flakes apart. The result is a flavorful and satisfying sauce that is perfect for tossing with linguine or your favorite pasta. Top it with fresh basil and parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
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Puerto Rican Gazpacho
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Avocado, White Onion, Large Tomato, Salt
This refreshing and colorful soup is a great way to enjoy salt cod in a new way. The salt cod is soaked in water, then mixed with a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and lime juice. The result is a light and flavorful soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
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Bacalaitos (Salted Cod Fritters)
Main Ingredients: Salted Cod, Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Water, Garlic
These Puerto Rican fritters are a great way to enjoy salt cod as a snack or appetizer. The batter is made with a blend of flour, cornmeal, egg, and salt cod, then fried until crispy and golden brown. They are served with a side of salsa or hot sauce for a flavorful and satisfying snack. They are a great option for a party or for enjoying as a tasty appetizer.
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Deep Fried, Battered Salt Cod (Baccalà)
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Flour, Milk, Water, Salt, Baking Soda, Oil
This crispy and flavorful dish is a popular way to enjoy salt cod in Italy. The fish is battered with a blend of flour, egg, garlic, and parsley, then deep fried until golden brown. The result is a tender and flavorful fish that is perfect for serving with a side of fries or vegetables. It's a great option for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.
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Fanesca or Ecuadorian Easter Soup
Main Ingredients: Bacalao, Squash, Zapallo, Shredded Cabbage, Fava Beans
This hearty and flavorful soup is a traditional dish served in Ecuador during Easter. It combines salt cod with a variety of vegetables such as squash, corn, peas, and beans. The result is a rich and satisfying soup that is perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends. Serve it with a side of empanadas or crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.
The History of Salt Cod in Scandinavia
Salt cod has a long history in the Scandinavian region, dating back to the Viking era. It was a vital source of sustenance for sailors and fishermen who would spend months at sea. The abundance of cod in the cold waters surrounding the Nordic countries made it a popular choice for preservation through salting and drying.
During the 16th century, the Basque fishermen introduced salt cod to the Norwegian city of Bergen, which became the main hub for the trade of this prized ingredient. Over time, salt cod found its way into traditional Scandinavian dishes, and today it is an essential part of the cuisine.
The Process of Preparing Salt Cod
The process of preparing salt cod is a labor of love that requires patience and skill. First, the cod is filleted, deboned, and then covered in a layer of salt. The salt draws out the moisture from the fish, preserving it and giving it a firm texture. The fish is then left to dry for several weeks, and once ready, it can be stored for up to a year.
To use salt cod in recipes, it needs to be rehydrated by soaking it in cold water for at least 24 hours, with the water changed every few hours. This removes the excess salt and softens the fish for cooking.
Creating a Delicious Salt Cod Recipe
One of the most popular Scandinavian salt cod recipes is Bacalao, a hearty and flavorful stew made with salt cod, potatoes, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. The dish varies slightly from country to country, with each region adding its own unique twist.
To make Bacalao, the soaked salt cod is combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then simmered with potatoes and herbs until the flavors meld together. The result is a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cold winter night.
In conclusion, salt cod is a beloved and versatile ingredient in Scandinavian cuisine, and this traditional recipe is a delicious way to experience its unique flavors. So why not give it a try and transport your taste buds to the Nordic region with this delicious salt cod recipe.
