Brazilian recipe
Brazilian Salt Cod Bake (Bacalhoada Cremosa ao Forno)
Experience a true Brazilian comfort food classic: tender salt cod baked with vegetables in a rich, irresistible creamy sauce.
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Ingredients
1 kg salt cod (bacalhau)
1/2 kg potatoes
1/2 kg carrots
2 ripe red tomatoes
1 bell pepper
2 large onions
Black olives, to taste
Minced garlic, to taste
Chopped cilantro, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Coconut milk, to taste
Olive oil, to taste
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
Ground nutmeg, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
1/2 kg potatoes
1/2 kg carrots
2 ripe red tomatoes
1 bell pepper
2 large onions
Black olives, to taste
Minced garlic, to taste
Chopped cilantro, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Coconut milk, to taste
Olive oil, to taste
2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
Ground nutmeg, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Where to find ingredients
Look for salt cod (bacalhau) at specialized fishmongers or in the international foods aisle of larger grocery stores. Fresh produce like potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions are readily available at local markets and supermarkets. Coconut milk and olives can be found in the global foods section of most supermarkets. Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Preparation method
- Start by soaking the salt cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water regularly to remove excess salt
- Quickly boil the salt cod, then remove the skin and bones. Reserve the cooking liquid and flake the fish into bite-sized pieces
- Season the cod flakes with garlic, salt, and fresh cilantro
- In a pan with a little olive oil, sauté the sliced onions until softened
- Add the chopped tomatoes (peeled and seeded), bell pepper, and olives to the pan
- Stir in the cod, tomato paste, coconut milk, and a bit of the reserved cooking water. Simmer until a thick sauce forms; adjust salt if needed
- Cook the sliced potatoes and carrots until tender
- For the white sauce, blend the milk, flour, and melted butter in a blender. Cook over heat, stirring constantly until thickened
- Finish the white sauce by mixing in the heavy cream, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and the beaten egg
- Rub the inside of a large baking dish with a garlic clove and lightly grease with olive oil
- Assemble the dish by creating alternating layers of the cod mixture, potatoes, and carrots
- Spread the white sauce evenly over the layers and bake until golden brown and bubbling
- Garnish with olives and parsley before serving with plain white rice
Observations
This hearty dish is a cherished favorite, ideal for family meals or special occasions. The magic comes from carefully preparing the salt cod and layering it with potatoes and carrots, then blanketing it all in a luscious white sauce that turns golden and bubbly in the oven.
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