Portuguese cod, Lusitano flavor!

Welcome dear to Paulina Cocina! This recipe, as its name indicates, comes from Portugal. Well, it could be that it was Portuguese style and not from Portugal, but that’s not the case…

He Cod Portuguese it is a dish with a rich history and cultural significance in Portugal. Its combination of flavors and textures, along with its versatility, make it a standout culinary option for both Portuguese and international gastronomy lovers. Today we are going to tell you how to make the best recipe.

About the Portuguese cod

Portuguese cod is a traditional dish from Portugal. The long tradition of fishing on the Portuguese coast, combined with the ability to preserve cod in salt, has led to the creation of numerous cod recipes in Portuguese cuisine.

Anyway, do you like cod? They can do it the Portuguese way, Bacalao al pil pil y Cod with tomato among other delicious recipes.

History of Portuguese cod

He Cod Portuguese It is considered one of the most emblematic dishes of Portuguese gastronomy. It is appreciated both nationally and internationally and has become a culinary symbol of the country.

Due to the colonial history of Portugal and its commercial relationship with other countries, Portuguese cod has spread its influence over the years and it has become a well-known and appreciated dish in different parts of the world.

Portugal and cod

For centuries, Portugal has been one of the largest exporters and consumers of cod in the world. Portuguese ships ventured to the cold seas of the North Atlantic to fish for cod and then they dried and salted it to preserve it for long periods of time.

Portuguese-style cod, a party classic

In Portugal, Portuguese cod is especially popular during the Christmas season and Easter. It is considered a culinary tradition important and many Portuguese families prepare this dish on special occasions. It is a traditional dish that began in the houses and then moved to restaurants.

Portuguese cod accompaniments

Portuguese style cod is served hot and is usually accompanied by White rice or bread crumbs. It can also be served with a green salad or crusty bread. It is a hearty and tasty dish, ideal for special occasions or family meals.

6 previous steps of cod preparation

1. Buy the cod: Make sure you get dried and salted cod. You can find it in the fish section of your supermarket or in specialized stores.
2. rinse the cod: Before starting the desalting process, rinse the cod with cold water to remove any surface salt residue.
3. Soak in cold water: Place the cod pieces in a large enough container and cover them completely with cold water. It is recommended to use cold tap water.
4. change the water: During the desalination process, it is important to change the water several times to remove the salt. Generally, it is recommended to change the water every 6-8 hours for a period of 24-48 hours.
5. salinity test: After the soaking time, try a small piece of cod to see if it has reached the desired level of salinity. If it’s still too salty, you can continue the desalting process by changing the water for an additional period.
6. drying: Once the cod has reached the desired level of salinity, remove it from the water and dry it carefully using kitchen paper. Make sure it is dry before using it in your recipe.

Baked Portuguese cod recipe

Cod is the main ingredient in this dish. It is a saltwater fish with white meat that has been preserved in salt during a curing process. Dried and salted cod is commonly used in many Portuguese recipes, including Cod Portuguese.

• Yield: 4 portions
• Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 desalted cod fillets
• 4 large potatoes
• 2 large onions
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 2 red bell peppers
• 4 garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, olives and cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

How to make baked Portuguese cod step by step

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cut the potatoes into thick slices and place them in the bottom of a baking tray. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and season to taste. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
2. Cut the onions, tomatoes and peppers into slices. Peel the garlic cloves and cut into thin slices.
3. Remove the tray from the oven and place the cod fillets on top of the potatoes. Distribute the slices of onion, tomato, pepper and garlic around the cod. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season.
4. Return the tray to the oven and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, whole olives and cherry halves as decoration.
6. Serve the hot baked Portuguese cod along with the potatoes and roasted vegetables. Accompany it with a green salad or white rice.