Tuga Pops − Friday, March 4, 2016, 10 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
4 out of 5 with 55 ratings

Traditional Portuguese Cod with Onions – Easy Bacalhau Recipe

Make this traditional Portuguese bacalhau recipe for a comforting family dinner. This authentic salt cod with onions is simple hearty and delicious.
1 h 5 min 6 servings Easy Prep time 20 min Cooking Time 45 min

You will love this Traditional Portuguese Cod with Onions – Easy Bacalhau Recipe

Elevate your culinary repertoire with this traditional Portuguese bacalhau recipe. This authentic salt cod with onions delivers unmatched flavor. Whether seeking an authentic gomes de sa family recipe variation or a Portuguese baked cod and onion casserole without dairy this savory masterpiece guarantees perfection. Master this timeless dish to experience true Mediterranean excellence at home.


Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) dried, salted cod OR fresh cod fillets4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and thick-sliced3 large eggs, hard-boiled and coarsely chopped1 can (15 oz / 425 g) large black olives, coarsely chopped2 medium onions, sliced1/2 large red bell pepper, sliced1/2 large green bell pepper, sliced4 cloves garlic, minced1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce3 tbsp (45 ml) Portuguese olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)

Equipment:

1 large boiling pot1 large skillet1 2-quart (1.9 L) baking dish

Directions

  1. If you are using dried, salted Portuguese cod, soak it overnight in cold water, changing the water at least twice to remove excess salt.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and reduce heat to medium-high, adding either the soaked Portuguese cod or the regular fresh cod fillets to boil gently for about fifteen minutes.
  3. Drain the fish, making sure to save the water it cooked in, and shred the fish into large chunks while removing any bones and skin before setting aside.
  4. In the water the cod cooked in, place the sliced potatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until tender before draining and setting aside.
  5. Heat about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of Portuguese olive oil or any good quality olive oil in a skillet, add the onions, peppers, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are soft.
  6. Mix in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hot sauce, season with salt to taste, and gently stir in the cooked flaked codfish and coarsely chopped black olives.
  7. Preheat the oven to 180°C or 350°F and generously grease a 2-quart (1.9 L) baking dish with olive oil.
  8. Layer half of the cooked potatoes along the bottom of the dish, spread with half of the cod and onion mixture, and sprinkle with half of the chopped eggs.
  9. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with another generous drizzle of olive oil on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling.


Adapted from a Recipe by: Annas Tiny Kitchen

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
380 kcal
Fat
18 g
Carbs
24 g
Protein
32 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod instead of dried, salted cod?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cod fillets for dried, salted cod. Simply thaw the frozen cod before cooking, and skip the soaking step. You can proceed with boiling the thawed fish as directed in the recipe.

How should I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What if I don't have Portuguese olives?

If you don't have Portuguese black olives, you can substitute them with any other type of black olives, such as Kalamata olives. Green olives can also work, but they will alter the flavor profile slightly, adding a more tangy taste.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and zesty wine complements the salty cod and balances the richness of the olives and potatoes.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors of the dish while cutting through the richness.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This classic Portuguese lager offers a refreshing balance to the salty and savory elements of the bacalhau dish.

General: Pilsner - A light and crisp Pilsner will cleanse the palate and complement the flavors of the cod and vegetables.

Other Beverages

Tea: A light and aromatic green tea will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish and enhance its overall flavors.

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Comments (8) Add a comment

Cindy
Cindy
Do you have any recipes for Portuguese soup? My father called it Sopas Caldene. It had kale, cabbage, kidney beans, split pea-based broth, chourico, and a bone-in cut of meat. I can't recall the seasonings or the cooking process. I often asked him to teach me, but he recently passed without leaving the recipe. Thank you
4 Years ago, Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Cindy, that sounds like a combination of a few soups, the closest I can come to that is this one, but you can modify it to your taste.

Portuguese Soup Recipe

4 Years ago, Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Marcy
Marcy
I made this tonight. I really liked it. I imagine it will taste great tomorrow as well.
4 Years ago, Monday, August 29, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear Marcy.
4 Years ago, Monday, August 29, 2022

Doug
Doug
Bake at what temperature?
4 Years ago, Friday, June 3, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
I have updated the recipe Doug, please check step 5.
4 Years ago, Friday, June 3, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops

I absolutely love this food.


5 Years ago, Friday, July 9, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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