Introduction
Salt cod, a staple in many Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, takes center stage in this hearty dish. Rich in flavor and complemented by an array of aromatic spices, onions, and potatoes, this recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal. The fusion of sweet and savory notes, thanks to ingredients like currants and allspice, makes this dish not only delicious but also a charming showcase of culinary tradition.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) salt cod or cod fillets
120 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) olive oil
2 onions, roughly chopped
3 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
600 g (1 lb 5 oz) potatoes, roughly chopped
4 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon peppercorns
5 cloves
5 allspice berries
100 g (3½ oz/⅔ cup) currants (Zante currants)
1 red (bell) pepper, roughly chopped
130 ml (4½ fl oz/generous ½ cup) water
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) tomatoes (can be tinned), quartered
Bunch of parsley, chopped (including the stalks)
Dried oregano, to taste
Sea salt flakes
Bread, to serve
Prep Time
Overnight soaking for salt cod, followed by approximately 15 minutes for preparation.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 24 hours (including soaking)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
This delightful dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul. Enjoy it with fresh bread to soak up the delectable juices and experience a culinary journey that highlights the rich flavors of salt cod and aromatic spices.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Soak the Cod
If using salt cod, soak the fillets overnight in water. The next day, rinse them under cold water, drain, and squeeze out any excess water.
Prepare the Baking Dish
Lay the fish flat in a baking dish, sprinkle with oregano, and set aside.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180ºC (400ºF/gas 6).
Cook the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan with a lid over high heat. Fry the onions, garlic, and potatoes for 5 minutes.
Add Spices and Currants
Add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, cloves, allspice berries, currants, and red pepper. Sprinkle with oregano and add 80 ml (2¾ fl oz/⅓ cup) of water. Cover and steam for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If using unsalted cod, sprinkle in a tablespoon of sea salt flakes at this point.
Add Tomatoes
Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes with the lid on. Remove from heat and pour the mixture over the cod in the baking dish.
Bake the Dish
Sprinkle half of the chopped parsley over the top and add the remaining water. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and serve with bread to soak up the juices.
Notes
Salt Cod Preparation
Ensure that you soak the salt cod overnight to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish for cooking.
Vegetable Cooking
Keep an eye on the vegetables while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the pan; stirring occasionally will help.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the dish.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste before serving; you may want to add additional salt or spices according to your preference.
Cook techniques
Soaking Salt Cod
Soaking salt cod overnight in water helps to rehydrate it and remove excess salt, making it ready for cooking.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the fish, vegetables, and spices in a baking dish allows for the flavors to meld together as they cook, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
Sautéing Vegetables
Sautéing onions, garlic, and potatoes in olive oil creates a flavorful base for the dish. This technique also helps soften the vegetables before further cooking.
Steaming with a Lid
Covering the pan while cooking the mixture creates steam, which helps to cook the ingredients evenly while retaining moisture and preventing burning.
Baking for Flavor Development
Baking the dish in the oven allows all the flavors to combine and deepen as the ingredients cook together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
Garnishing
Garnishing with fresh parsley just before serving adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the cooked dish.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cod instead of salt cod?
Yes, you can use fresh cod. Just be mindful to adjust the salt content, as fresh cod will not require soaking or extra salt.
What can I use as a substitute for olive oil?
You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers according to your preference.
What type of bread pairs best with this dish?
A crusty bread or a rustic loaf works well for soaking up the juices from the dish.
Conclusion
The salt cod dish prepared with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and herbs offers a delightful blend of flavors. The combination of the rich fish with the fragrant mix of onions, garlic, and spices creates a satisfying meal that is both hearty and comforting. Serving it with bread allows you to relish every last drop of the delicious juices, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Paella
Try a vegetable paella using similar ingredients such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices, replacing the fish with chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Fish Tacos
Use cod fillets seasoned with oregano and spices, grilled to perfection and served in tortillas with chopped onions and salsa for a zesty taco night.
Chickpea and Spinach Stew
Combine potatoes, garlic, and diced tomatoes into a savory chickpea stew, adding fresh spinach for a burst of color and additional nutrients.
Baked Ratatouille
Create a baked ratatouille with zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, using a similar method of layering and baking, garnished with fresh parsley.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of potatoes, tomatoes, onion, and herbs for a colorful and flavorful baked dish.
Moroccan-Spiced Couscous
Prepare couscous spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, mixing in currents and chopped vegetables for a fragrant side dish.
