Did you know that you can make a Portuguese Cod super practical and quick? I'll show you how! This dish is perfect for gathering family and friends, whether at Easter or any other special occasion. With easy-to-find ingredients and uncomplicated preparation, you'll impress everyone with this traditional delight.
How to make Portuguese Cod
Ingredients
- 1 kg of desalted cod loin
- 1 kg of potatoes
- 1 red pepper
- 1 yellow pepper
- 2 large onions
- 4 tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Laurel
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 boiled eggs
- Black olives
- Fresh parsley
Preparation Method
1. Preparing the Cod:
- Defrost the cod in the refrigerator overnight.
- Cut the loins in half, removing the spine.
- Cook the cod fillets in boiling water with thyme, bay leaves and garlic for 5 minutes. This will make the cod very tasty and ready for the next step.
2. Potatoes:
- In the same water where you cooked the cod, cook the potatoes until they are soft. This water is already full of flavor from the cod and herbs, which will give the potatoes a special touch.
- Drain the potatoes and set aside.
3. Assembly:
- Grease a baking dish with olive oil. This step is important to ensure that nothing sticks and that everything tastes delicious.
- Make layers starting with the potatoes, then the cod, sliced peppers, sliced onions, sliced tomatoes and sliced garlic.
- Season each layer with salt, black pepper and olive oil. The secret here is to season each layer well so that all the flavors blend perfectly.
- Finish with thyme, bay leaves and another generous drizzle of olive oil.
4. Finalization:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. This is enough time for everything to cook well and for the flavors to blend together.
- Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs, olives, and fresh parsley. These ingredients not only beautify the dish but also add more flavor and texture.
- Drizzle with more olive oil before serving. Olive oil finishes the dish with a shine and an irresistible flavor.
Preparation Time
- Approximately 45 minutes.
Portions
- Serves up to 6 people.
Additional Suggestions
- Replace the peppers with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to vary the flavor.
- Add capers for an extra touch of flavor.
- Se preferir, pode adicionar camarões ao prato. Basta refogá-los rapidamente antes de adicionar às camadas.
Tips
- To prevent the cod from becoming too salty, always taste it before adding more salt.
- Olive oil is essential to add flavor and moisture to the dish. Don't skimp!
- For a healthier version, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
Main Questions
Does the cod need to be desalted beforehand?
Yes, but in this recipe we use already desalted cod, saving time and work.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, but the characteristic flavor of cod is unique. I suggest sticking to tradition for an authentic experience.
Can I prepare in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and leave it in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, just put it in the oven. This makes it much easier when entertaining guests.
What is the best accompaniment for this dish?
Arroz branco e uma salada verde são ótimas opções. Uma taça de vinho branco também combina perfeitamente.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store in a tightly sealed container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place in the oven until hot.
Can I use cod flakes?
Yes, but the loins make the dish more beautiful and succulent. Slices can be a more economical and practical option.
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