Cod with cream - Bacalhau com Natas

Bacalhau com Natas - Cod with Cream

Bacalhau com Natas is an iconic recipe from traditional cuisine that speaks of the love for cod, a fish with a rich history appreciated for centuries. The Portuguese consider it a versatile ingredient used in numerous dishes that delight the taste buds. Today, I will share my favorite recipe for preparing this delicacy with frozen cod, which brings a rich flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for a special dinner or a family occasion, this dish will turn any meal into a celebration.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

1 kg of white potatoes (preferably)
1 package of frozen cod (approximately 400 gr)
2 stalks of leek or onion
4 cloves of garlic
100 ml olive oil
1 bunch of fresh parsley
200 ml cooking cream
500 ml béchamel sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
150 gr grated parmesan

Recipe preparation

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into cubes of about 2 cm. These will be the base of the dish, providing a pleasant texture. Place the potato cubes in a pot of cold water to prevent oxidation.

Step 2: Cooking the cod
In another pot, bring water to a boil. Add the frozen cod and let it boil for about 5 minutes until it slightly thaws. Then, remove it from the water and let it cool a bit. After it has cooled, remove the skin and bones, then cut it into smaller pieces. It is important to use frozen cod, as it has a lower salt content compared to salted cod, which requires much more preparation time.

Step 3: The vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leek (or onion, if preferred) and the minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and release their aroma. These vegetables will add a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish.

Step 4: Mixing the ingredients
Add the pieces of cod to the skillet, sprinkle half of the chopped parsley, and mix well to combine the flavors. Nice, isn’t it? Now, drain the potatoes and add them to the skillet. Gently mix everything so that the potatoes absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Adding the cream
Pour the cream over the cod and potato mixture and stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dish cook for another 3 minutes so that the cream perfectly blends with the ingredients.

Step 6: Preparing for the oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan). Transfer the cod and potato mixture to a baking dish or individual ramekins. Cover everything with béchamel sauce and evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan on top. This will provide a golden and crispy crust that will make the dish look and taste wonderful.

Step 7: Baking
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned. The aroma that will spread in the kitchen will make you eagerly await serving this delicacy.

Step 8: Serving
After removing it from the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley on top for a splash of color and flavor. You can serve Bacalhau com Natas alongside a fresh green salad, which will add a crunchy contrast and a note of freshness.

Useful tips

For an even more intense flavor, you can add some green or black olives to the cod and potato mixture. They will provide a salty flavor and an interesting texture.

If you want a healthier version, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream.

For a touch of originality, you can add some lemon slices to the vegetable mixture, bringing a citrus flavor that will balance the richness of the cream.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use salted cod instead of frozen cod?
Yes, but you will need to soak it in water for 24 hours before cooking to remove excess salt.

2. What can I do with the leftovers?
Leftovers can be turned into a pie or added to omelets for a delicious breakfast.

3. Can the dish be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze the cooked dish, but you can freeze the cod and potato mixture before baking it.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of Bacalhau com Natas contains approximately 550 calories. It is a good source of protein due to the cod and provides a healthy dose of carbohydrates from the potatoes. Additionally, the cream and parmesan bring healthy fats, but it is best to consume in moderation due to the calorie content.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to try this Bacalhau com Natas recipe. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for loved ones, I am sure it will become a favorite in your menu! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of white potatoes preferably 1 pack of frozen cod approx. 400 gr 2 leeks or onions 4 cloves of garlic 100 ml olive oil 1 bunch of parsley 200 ml sour cream for cooking 500 ml béchamel salt and pepper 150 gr grated parmesan