Brazilian recipe
Baked Salt Cod (Bacalhau ao forno)
Baked Salt Cod is a classic dish that combines the bold flavor of salt cod with succulent vegetables and an irresistible creamy sauce.
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Ingredients
1 kg salt cod
1/2 kg potatoes
1/2 kg carrots
2 ripe red tomatoes
1 bell pepper
2 large onions
Olives to taste
Minced garlic to taste
Chopped cilantro to taste
1 tbsp tomato paste
Coconut milk to taste
Olive oil to taste
2 cups milk
1 1/2 tbsp wheat flour
1 tbsp butter
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
Nutmeg to taste
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
Olives to taste
Minced garlic to taste
Chopped cilantro to taste
1 tbsp tomato paste
Coconut milk to taste
Olive oil to taste
2 cups milk
1 1/2 tbsp wheat flour
1 tbsp butter
1 egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
Nutmeg to taste
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
Salt cod can be found in specialized fishmongers or large supermarkets in the international/imported seafood section. Fresh vegetables and herbs are available in local markets or grocery store produce sections. Coconut milk and other pantry staples are standard in any supermarket.
Preparation method
- Start by soaking the salt cod for 24 hours, remembering to change the water regularly to remove excess salt.
- Boil the salt cod briefly, discard the skin and bones, reserve the cooking water, and separate the flesh into flakes.
- Season the salt cod flakes with garlic, salt, and cilantro.
- In a pan with a little olive oil, sauté the sliced onions.
- Add the chopped tomatoes (peeled and deseeded), the bell pepper, and the olives.
- Mix in the salt cod, tomato paste, coconut milk, and a little of the fish cooking water, letting it simmer until it forms a thick sauce; adjust the salt if necessary.
- Cook the sliced potatoes and carrots until they are 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 stirring in the heavy cream, nutmeg, black pepper, salt, and the beaten egg.
- Rub a garlic clove all over the inside of a large baking dish and grease it with olive oil.
- Assemble the dish by making alternating layers of the salt cod, potatoes, and carrots.
- Spread the white sauce over the entire dish and place it in the oven to gratin.
- Garnish with olives and parsley before serving alongside white rice.
Observations
This is a comforting recipe, perfect for family lunches or special celebrations. The secret lies in the careful preparation of the salt cod and the layering technique, which ensures a succulent and highly flavorful result.
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