Best 4 Bacalao A La Vizcaina Basque Style Codfish Stew Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, Bacalao a la Vizcaina stands as a shining star, captivating taste buds with its exquisite flavors and vibrant colors. This traditional Basque dish, hailing from the northern coast of Spain, is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Bacalao, the Spanish word for cod, takes center stage in this extraordinary stew, complemented by an orchestra of fresh vegetables, succulent seafood, and a luscious tomato-based sauce. This recipe is a culinary journey that will transport you to the heart of Basque Country, where the aromas of garlic, paprika, and pimenton dance in the air. Indulge in the authentic flavors of Spain with this delectable Bacalao a la Vizcaina, a dish that promises to leave you craving for more.

The article features two enticing variations of this classic stew. The first recipe, Bacalao a la Vizcaina (Basque-Style Codfish Stew), presents a traditional take on this beloved dish. Succulent codfish fillets are lovingly simmered in a vibrant sauce brimming with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Clams and shrimp make a delightful appearance, adding a touch of briny sweetness to the stew. The second recipe, Bacalao a la Vizcaina Light, offers a lighter version of this Basque classic. This variation incorporates similar ingredients as the traditional recipe, yet it employs a clever technique to reduce calories and fat. By using a combination of codfish fillets and a flaky white fish, this lighter version delivers all the flavors of the original without compromising on taste.

Whether you opt for the traditional or light version, Bacalao a la Vizcaina promises an unforgettable culinary experience. Its vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas will entice your senses, while its rich flavors will leave you utterly satisfied. So, embark on this culinary adventure and discover the magic of Basque cuisine with Bacalao a la Vizcaina, a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BACALAO A LA VIZCAINA (BASQUE STYLE STEWED SALTED COD)



Bacalao a la Vizcaina (Basque Style Stewed Salted Cod) image

Curl up with a warm bowl of this bacalao a la vizcaina, a traditional Puerto Rican stewed cod with hearty potatoes, briny olives, and layers of flavor.

Provided by The Noshery

Categories     Seafood

Time 5h

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 lb salted cod or pollock
1 lb petite potatoes sliced
3 garlic cloves
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup pimentos
1/4 cup olives
1 tablespoon capers
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
6 oz tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 bay leaf

Steps:

  • Soak bacalao in water for 4 hours, changing the water twice.
  • Add bacalao to a large pot and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Put the lid askew and lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
  • Drain the bacalao and using a fork flake the bacalao into bite-size pieces.
  • Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
  • Layer half of the potatoes, cod, garlic, onion, pimentos, olives, capers, oregano, sauce, paprika, cumin, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients.
  • Pour remaining olive oil, white wine, and water. Shake the skillet to distribute and tuck in bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 mins or until potatoes are tender.
  • Serve alone or with white rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 594 calories, Carbohydrate 44 grams carbohydrates, Fat 36 grams fat, Fiber 5 grams fiber, Protein 32 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sugar 16 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 25 grams unsaturated fat

BASQUE STYLE COD



Basque Style Cod image

Provided by Spain on a Fork

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 Fillets Fresh Cod
2 Roasted Red Bell Peppers
1 Medium Sized Brown Onion
1/4 Cup Tomato Puree
1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Spanish Olive Oil
3 Cloves Garlic
Fresh Parsley
Sea Salt

Steps:

  • Grab a non-stick frying pan and heat it with a medium heat
  • Add 1/4 cup of extra virgin Spanish olive oil to the pan
  • Once the oil gets hot, season it with sea salt and add the cod fillets to the oil, skin side up
  • While your cod is cooking, finely mince 3 cloves of garlic and finely dice 1 onion
  • After about 4 minutes flip the cod to cook the uncooked side
  • After cooking your cod for a total of 7 to 8 minutes, remove it from the pan, put on a plate and set aside
  • Using the same pan with the same oil add the 3 minced garlics and the diced onion to the pan and mix
  • After cooking the onions and garlic for about 4 to 5 minutes add 2 roasted red bell peppers to pan and mix
  • About 3 minutes after adding the roasted red bell pepper add 1/4 cup of tomato puree to the pan, season with sea salt and mix
  • 3 minutes after adding the tomato puree, transfer everything in the pan into a bowl
  • Using a handheld mixer, puree everything until you get a smooth puree
  • Add the puree and the cooked cod back to pan and heat for about 3 minutes
  • Transfer the cod fillets to a dish and top with the sauce
  • Garnish with fresh parsley
  • Enjoy!

BACALAO A LA VIZCAíNA



Bacalao a la Vizcaína image

Bacalao a la Vizcaína is one of the dishes that brings Mexican families together for a Noche Buena celebration. Inspired by a popular dish in Spain's Basque country, it was adapted to become a Mexican staple. The salt cod is great as leftovers and made into bacalao tortas for the next day.

Provided by Fermín Núñez

Categories     main-dish

Time P1DT1h15m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 pounds salt cod
1/2 cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 bunch scallions, white parts cut into 1-inch pieces, greens finely sliced
1 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine
5 large tomatoes, cut into large dice
4 roasted red bell peppers, peeled, seeded and cut into large dice
2 large Idaho potatoes, peeled and diced into 2-inch pieces
Kosher salt
1/4 cup drained capers with 2 tablespoons brine
1 cup pitted whole green olives with 2 tablespoons olive juice

Steps:

  • Soak the salt cod in a large bowl of cold water for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. Rinse, drain and dry on a towel-lined plate. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Heat the olive oil in a 7.5-quart Dutch oven or heavy saucepan over medium heat until warm. Add the garlic and onions and cook until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the white parts of the scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but with no color, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until the paste is caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until evaporated, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, cover and cook over medium-low heat until the tomatoes soften, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the roasted red bell peppers and continue to cook at a low simmer for another 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover by 2 inches with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Adjust the heat to medium low and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and add to the stew, stirring gently to combine.
  • Shred the rinsed salt cod by hand and add to the pot with the cooked tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. Cover and cook over low heat until the cod melds into the stew, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Stir in the capers and brine, olives with juice and half of the scallion greens. Taste and add salt, if necessary. Serve topped with the remaining scallion greens.

BACALAO A LA VIZCAíNA (MEXICAN SALT COD STEW)



Bacalao a la vizcaína (Mexican salt cod stew) image

Try something different for dinner and enjoy this Mexican-inspired salt cod stew, packed with tomatoes, olives, capers, pickled chillies and almonds

Provided by Adriana Cavita

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

750g salt cod
1.5kg tomatoes
250ml olive oil
4 medium white onions, sliced
7 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
750g whole baby potatoes, cooked until just soft and peeled
175g jar güeros chillies or pickled chillies, reserve some of the pickling brine
60g capers
175g jar olives stuffed with red peppers
100g almonds, lightly toasted and chopped

Steps:

  • To prepare the salt cod, put it in a dish and submerge in cold water for 36-48 hrs before you want to cook it, changing the water five times within that time. Taste the cod after 36 hrs soaking. If the cod is still too salty, continue to soak for up to 48 hrs. The flavour will be distinctively salty but shouldn't be overpowering. Drain the cod and tip into a bowl. Using your hands, break the fish into 3cm-long shredded pieces, discarding any bones.
  • Cut 1kg of the tomatoes into small cubes. Deseed the remaining 500g, blitz in a blender, then strain through a fine sieve. Put a medium pan over a medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the onion for around 15 mins until translucent, then add the garlic, followed by the chopped and blended tomatoes. Continue cooking for 40 mins over a medium heat, stirring often.
  • Add the salt cod and most of the parsley, and cook for about 15 mins. Add the potatoes, chillies, capers, olives and almonds, mix together, then cook for a further 30 mins. Taste it - if it needs more salt, add a little of the chilli pickling brine to season. Serve with the remaining parsley scattered over.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 888 calories, Fat 55 grams fat, SaturatedFat 8 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 35 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 16 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 59 grams protein, Sodium 3.2 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your bacalao a la vizcaina. Look for the best quality codfish you can find, and use fresh vegetables and herbs.
  • Soak the codfish properly: Soaking the codfish overnight in cold water will help to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish. Be sure to change the water several times during the soaking process.
  • Don't overcook the fish: Codfish is a delicate fish, so it's important not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become tough and dry. Simmer the fish gently until it is just cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Bacalao a la vizcaina is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the stew, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Serve with crusty bread: Bacalao a la vizcaina is traditionally served with crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

Bacalao a la vizcaina is a delicious and hearty stew that is perfect for a cold winter day. The combination of codfish, vegetables, and sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. This dish is also relatively easy to make, so it's a great option for busy weeknights. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give bacalao a la vizcaina a try. You won't be disappointed!

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