Maria's Portuguese Bacalau
A heartwarming taste of Portugal! This traditional bacalhau dish, reminiscent of family gatherings, features flaky salt cod, tender potatoes, and caramelized onions, all baked to perfection. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Remember to start the cod soaking a day in advance!
Nutrition
-
Carbohydrate
25 g
-
Cholesterol
277 mg
-
Fiber
3 g
-
Protein
77 g
-
Saturated Fat
7 g
-
Sodium
8223 mg
-
Sugar
2 g
-
Fat
31 g
-
Unsaturated Fat
0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
Soak dried salted cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times. (24 hours)
02
Step
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add soaked cod; boil until flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes. Transfer cod to a cutting board; save water for cooking potatoes. Remove cod skin and bones then flake the meat into pieces using a fork; set aside in a large bowl. (30 minutes)
03
Step
Whisk olive oil, 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 clove garlic, pepper flakes, and black pepper together in a small bowl; pour over cod and lightly toss to coat. (5 minutes)
04
Step
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x11-inch baking dish. (10 minutes)
05
Step
Place potatoes in reserved pot salt cod cooking water; bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain under cool water, peel, and cut into 1/4-inch slices. (30 minutes)
06
Step
While potatoes cook, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions; sauté until golden and caramelized. Stir in remaining 1 clove garlic; set aside. (25 minutes)
07
Step
Layer 1/2 of the potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish; cover with 1/2 of the cod, then 1/2 of the onions. Repeat layers, ending with onions. (15 minutes)
08
Step
Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Garnish with olives and hard-cooked eggs; sprinkle with remaining 7 tablespoons parsley. (15 minutes)
Be sure to change the soaking water for the cod several times to remove excess salt.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes to the onion mixture for extra flavor and color.
RECIPE REVIEWS
Avarage Rating:
4.6/ 5 ( 56 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
Seamus Walker
May 25, 2025Next time, I'll try adding a layer of béchamel sauce as someone suggested.
Trent Huels
Mar 12, 2025I added some roasted red peppers and it was a delicious addition!
Dejon Kilback
Mar 10, 2025This recipe is amazing! It tasted just like my grandmother's.
Paige Nader
Feb 8, 2025A bit time-consuming, but totally worth the effort.
Osvaldo Wilkinson
Nov 14, 2024Soaking the cod for 24 hours is key! Don't skip that step.
Justina Moen
Aug 17, 2024My family devoured this! Will definitely make it again.
Eusebio Treutel
Jul 14, 2024The instructions were so clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner cook like me.
Benjamin Stroman
May 8, 2024The flavors are perfectly balanced. Not too salty, not too spicy.