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Tuga Pops − Tuesday, March 22, 2016, 10 Years ago in Seafood Recipes
3 out of 5 with 31 ratings

Portuguese Easter Cod Recipe | Authentic Bacalhau da Páscoa

Try this Bacalhau da Páscoa! It's a tasty Portuguese Easter dish with layers of salt cod, potatoes, and olive oil. Perfect for your holiday table!
1 h 5 min 4 servings Easy Prep time 20 min Cooking Time 45 min
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Why you will love this Portuguese Easter Cod Recipe | Authentic Bacalhau da Páscoa

Get ready to impress your family this Easter with a classic Portuguese dish: Bacalhau da Páscoa! This salt cod recipe features tender fish paired with savory veggies, creating a delicious centerpiece for your holiday table. The key is to properly desalinate the cod, balancing its briny flavor with earthy goodness. Once you taste this dish, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved tradition!


Ingredients

450g / 1 lb of salted cod3 medium onions, sliced3 medium tomatoes, peeled and sliced6 medium potatoes, cut into slices1 red bell pepper, cut into slices15g / 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley10 green olives120ml / ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil

Equipment:

ContainerPotLarge mixing bowlBaking dishKnifeCutting boardMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsSpoonFrying pan

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Place the cod in a container, cover with water and soak for 24 hours in the refrigerator, changing the water several times to remove the salt.
  2. Rinse the cod and place it in a pot with enough water to cover, simmering until just cooked through but still firm.
  3. Separate the cod into large, succulent chunks, removing any skin or bones.
  4. Boil the potato slices in the same flavored water used for the cod until they are tender but hold their shape.
  5. Layer the cod, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and red peppers in a heavy baking dish to build deep flavors.
  6. Scatter the fresh parsley and green olives over the top before generously drizzling with the extra virgin olive oil.
  7. Bake at 180°C or 350°F for 30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the olive oil is bubbling.

Recipe Tips

Soak the salted cod for at least 24 hours in cold water, changing the water several times. This will ensure that the cod is properly desalted and rehydrated, resulting in a tender texture and milder flavor.
When slicing the potatoes, aim for uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking. If the potatoes are too thick, they may not cook through by the time the fish and vegetables are done, resulting in a dish with varying textures.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the onions and bell peppers. If there are too many vegetables in the pan at once, they will steam instead of sautéing, which leads to a less flavorful and less colorful dish. Cook in batches if necessary.
Adapted from a Recipe by: receitas.ig.com.br

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
415 kcal
Fat
29 g
Carbs
22 g
Protein
18 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cod instead of salted cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh cod, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as fresh cod cooks faster than salted cod. Skip the soaking process, and simply cook the fresh cod until it flakes easily with a fork.

How do I store leftovers of Bacalhau da Páscoa?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.

What can I substitute for green olives if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have green olives, you can use black olives for a different flavor, or omit them entirely and add capers for a similar briny taste. Adjust the amount of salt in your dish accordingly.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine has a slight effervescence that complements the saltiness of the cod and the richness of the olive oil.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the freshness of the vegetables and balance the dish's flavors.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager offers a crisp and clean finish, making it a great match for the savory elements of the cod dish.

General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner provides a refreshing and light profile that pairs well with the dish's ingredients without overpowering them.

Other Beverages

Green Tea: The subtle bitterness and earthy notes of green tea can cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

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Reviews (5) Add a review

Anne
Anne
I am trying this today for Good Friday. Thank you Happy Easter
4 Years ago, Friday, April 15, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
To you and family as well Anne, enjoy.
4 Years ago, Friday, April 15, 2022

Juliette Almeida
Juliette Almeida
Do you sauté the onions first?
4 Years ago, Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
No you don't Juliette.
4 Years ago, Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Ligia da Cal
Ligia da Cal
It looks delicious 😋
4 Years ago, Monday, April 11, 2022

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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