Best 7 Salt Cod Bacalhau Bacalao Morue Baccalà Stew Recipes

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**Salt Cod Recipes: A Culinary Journey Through History and Taste**

Salt cod, a culinary staple with a rich history and diverse cultural significance, has been a source of sustenance and culinary delight for centuries. Preserved through the traditional method of salting and drying, this versatile fish offers a unique flavor profile that has inspired countless recipes across the globe.

In this comprehensive exploration of salt cod cuisine, we present a collection of delectable recipes that capture the essence of this remarkable ingredient. From the classic Portuguese Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a layered dish of salted cod, potatoes, onions, and hard-boiled eggs, to the hearty French Brandade de Morue, a creamy spread made with salt cod, potatoes, and garlic, these recipes showcase the culinary versatility of salt cod.

For those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean, we offer the Spanish Bacalao al Pil Pil, a flavorful combination of salt cod, garlic, and olive oil, as well as the Italian Baccalà alla Vicentina, a rich stew featuring salt cod, tomatoes, onions, and olives.

Venturing into the culinary traditions of the Caribbean, we present the Jamaican Saltfish Ackee, a beloved national dish combining salted cod, ackee fruit, tomatoes, and onions, and the Haitian Bacalao Guisado, a spicy and savory stew made with salt cod, tomatoes, peppers, and spices.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons, these salt cod recipes offer a delightful gateway into the world of this unique and flavorful ingredient. Embark on a culinary journey that spans continents and cultures, discovering the diverse ways in which salt cod has been transformed into culinary masterpieces.

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

BACALAO A LA VIZCAINA (BASQUE STYLE CODFISH STEW)



Bacalao a la Vizcaina (Basque Style Codfish Stew) image

This Spanish-style fish stew from the Basque region of Spain is a traditional peasant dish popular in all Spanish-speaking countries (where each has given it their special twist). For example, in Mexico it is usually made for Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Lent; in Puerto Rico it is a year-round favorite but most enjoyed during Lent. This is one of the Puerto Rican versions.

Provided by Milly Suazo-Martinez

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Seafood

Time 9h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound salted cod fish
4 potatoes, sliced thick
2 onions, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
2 teaspoons capers
2 large cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup pitted green olives
1 (4 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
½ cup golden raisins
1 bay leaf
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup water
¼ cup white wine

Steps:

  • Soak the salted cod in about 2 quarts of water, changing the water 3 times over the course of 8 hours. Drain and cut the fish into bite-size pieces.
  • Layer the half of each ingredient in the following order: potatoes, cod fish, onions, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, olives, roasted red peppers, and raisins. Place the bay leaf on top, then pour half the tomato sauce and half the olive oil. Repeat with the remaining ingredients in the same order. Pour the water and white wine on top. Do not stir.
  • Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 474.5 calories, Carbohydrate 31.6 g, Cholesterol 192.3 mg, Fat 18.9 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 42.3 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 4353.3 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

BACALHAU (PORTUGUESE SALT COD STEW)



Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod Stew) image

Portuguese salt cod stew (bacalhau or bacalhoada) is layered and baked in the oven. Made with salt cod, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, onions, olives, and lots of olive oil, it's a satisfying recipe for cozy nights.

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Dinner     Soup     Stew     Cod     Fish Stew     Portuguese     Salt Cod

Time P1DT2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 pound salt cod fillets, preferably skinless and boneless
3/4 to 1 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil
Milk (optional)
2 large yellow or sweet Vidalia onions, sliced
2 pounds waxy potatoes (Yukon gold work great), peeled
4 eggs, hard boiled and sliced
About 40 pitted black olives (I used Kalamata olives, can also use green olives)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven (optional): If you plan to bake the bacalhoada, instead of simmering it on the stove, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Simmer the salt cod in milk and/or water: Put salt cod in a saucepan. Add enough milk, water, or a mixture of milk and water to just cover. Bring mixture to a simmer. Let simmer for a couple minutes. Remove the fish and set aside.
  • Parboil the potatoes and slice: Parboil the potatoes for 20 minutes (you can cook them in the water you used to cook the fish if you want). Slice potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  • Cook on the stovetop or bake: Place on stovetop on medium heat, and cook, covered, for 30 minutes. Or bake, covered in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until everything is completely cooked through. Serve with sides of rice and salad, or some crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 594 kcal, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 179 mg, Fiber 4 g, Protein 42 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 4209 mg, Sugar 5 g, Fat 33 g, ServingSize Serves 6 to 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

BACALHAU A GOMES DE SA (SALT COD, ONIONS AND POTATOES)



Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa (Salt Cod, Onions and Potatoes) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time P1DT13h5m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 pounds 1 1/2 pounds salt cod
1/2 cup plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups thinly sliced yellow onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds waxy potatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick and cooked until tender
4 hard boiled eggs
8 black olives
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Soak the cod in cold water to cover for 24 to 36 hours, changing the water occasionally, drain. Flake the cod into small pieces, removing any bones. Set aside. In a large saute pan, over medium heat, add 1/4 cup of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until slightly golden, about 6 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a medium ovenproof casserole dish with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper. Spread half of the potatoes over the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the salt cod over the potatoes. Place half of the onion mixture over the salt cod. Top the onion mixture with more salt cod. Place another layer of potatoes over the top of the cod. Drizzle the entire pan with the remaining 1/4 cup of oil. Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Place on a serving platter. Garnish with the sliced eggs, olives, and parsley.

BACALAO GUISADO (CODFISH STEW)



Bacalao Guisado (Codfish Stew) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 pounds dried codfish
1 gallon water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large tomatoes, chopped
2 culantro* leaves, chopped
2 whole bay leaves
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon capers
2 potatoes, peeled, diced and boiled until tender
4 sprigs cilantro, leaves chopped, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a large pot, add the codfish and cover with 1 gallon of water. Bring it to a boil and cook for 10 minutes to remove the salt. Drain the cod and break it into small flakes with a spoon. Set aside.
  • In a large frying pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the green peppers, onion, tomatoes, and culantro and cook for 2 minutes. Add the codfish, bay leaves, red bell peppers, tomato paste, and capers. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the boiled potatoes and cook until heated through, about 2 more minutes.
  • Garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or cooked plantains, if desired.
  • Serving suggestion: white rice or cooked plantains.

BACALHAU PORTUGUESE AO FORNO (SALT COD WITH TOMATOES AND OLIVES)



Bacalhau Portuguese ao Forno (Salt Cod with Tomatoes and Olives) image

Portuguese recipe for baked cod with potatoes, tomatoes and lots of olive oil. You need to soak the cod in water overnight to remove the salt. Serve hot.

Provided by Vólola

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Portuguese

Time P1DT1h58m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds salted cod fish
2 lemons, juiced
salt to taste
1 pound potatoes, cut into thick slices
2 large onions, cut into 8 wedges
3 tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
2 fresh bay leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chopped black olives
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, or to taste

Steps:

  • Soak cod in a large bowl of water in the refrigerator for 24 hours, changing soaking water 4 times to remove excess salt.
  • Drain water off cod; add lemon juice and salt. Let marinate in the refrigerator, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Arrange layers of cod, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in a large baking dish. Place bay leaves on top. Drizzle olive oil over baking dish and season with salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until potatoes are tender and cod flakes easily with a fork, about 30 minutes. Add olives and parsley and continue baking until heated through, about 3 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.2 calories, Carbohydrate 16 g, Cholesterol 172.5 mg, Fat 6.8 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 73.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 8042.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

SALT COD WITH TOMATOES AND CAPERS (BACCALà ALLA VESUVIANA)



Salt Cod With Tomatoes and Capers (Baccalà alla Vesuviana) image

In Italy, this recipe is a classic holiday dish. For Christmas Eve, it would generally be served at room temperature, as part of a buffet.

Provided by Mario Batali

Categories     Christmas     Dinner     Seafood     Cod     Christmas Eve     Simmer     Pescatarian     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 6 as an appetizer or 4 as a main-course

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds center-cut skinless boneless salt cod (baccalà), rinsed well
2 tablespoons salt-packed capers*
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes in juice
1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh mint, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • In large bowl, combine cod with water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and refrigerate, changing water 3 times a day, 1 to 3 days (see cooks' note, below). Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • In small bowl, combine capers with water to cover by 1 inch. Cover and refrigerate 1 day, changing water 3 times.
  • Drain and rinse capers, then squeeze dry. Drain cod and pat dry, then cut into 4- by 2-inch pieces.
  • In heavy 6- to 8-quart pot over moderate heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Add onion and sauté until softened and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add red pepper flakes, capers, tomatoes and juice, and salt. Using wooden spoon, gently crush tomatoes. Bring to simmer, then carefully add cod. Add parsley and 1/4 cup mint and gently spoon some of sauce over cod. Simmer, uncovered, until cod is tender and heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Using slotted spatula, transfer cod to serving platter. Remove pot from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Spoon sauce over fish, then sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon mint and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BACALHAU (SALT COD) WITH CHICKPEAS



Bacalhau (Salt Cod) With Chickpeas image

A Portuguese salt cod kind of stew meant to be eaten hot or at room temperature. Once you've prepared the salt cod (which takes one to two days), assembling this dish is simple and quick. If you don't have piri-piri (Portuguese-style chili oil), substitute a quarter teaspoon (or more if you like) of dried hot red pepper flakes. This makes a very hearty luncheon or brunch dish and is great with a glass of red wine.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     Stew

Time P2DT30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb salt cod fish
2 cups onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon piri-piri
salt and pepper
10 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
3 eggs, hard-boiled, shelled and quartered
1/3 cup parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare Bacalhau.
  • Soak fish in water for at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hours, changing the water 3 to 4 times per day.
  • Drain the fish, rinse well and place in a saucepan with enough water to cover.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Taste the water; if it is too salty, drain the fish, add fresh water and bring to a boil again.
  • Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Drain and let cool.
  • Remove any skin and bones and separate the fish into coarse flakes.
  • Prepare the stew.
  • In a heavy skillet, heat the olive oil and cook the onion slowly until it is golden.
  • Stir in the Bacalhau and heat for two minutes.
  • Add chickpeas, parsley, vinegar, garlic, piri-piri, salt and pepper and cook for another two minutes or until the mixture is completely warmed through.
  • Serve garnished with the hard boiled eggs and olives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 791, Fat 35.8, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 331, Sodium 8419.7, Carbohydrate 32.3, Fiber 6, Sugar 3.8, Protein 81.9

Tips:

  • Soak the salt cod properly: This is a crucial step to remove the excess salt and rehydrate the fish. Make sure to soak the cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water every 8-12 hours.
  • Use good quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will greatly affect the taste of your stew. Use fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, and choose a good quality salt cod.
  • Don't overcook the fish: Salt cod is a delicate fish, so it's important not to overcook it. Simmer the stew gently until the fish is just cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Salt cod stew is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover salt cod, and it's also a budget-friendly meal. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious salt cod stew that your family and friends will love.

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