Bacalhau à Brás: Portuguese Salt Cod and Potato Delight
Bacalhau à Brás is a beloved Portuguese dish originating from the coastal regions, particularly cherished in the Azores Islands. This unique and hearty meal features tender, flaky salt cod combined with golden, matchstick potatoes and sautéed onions, all bound together with fluffy scrambled eggs. Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice elevate the flavors, giving you a delightful burst of freshness with each bite. To ensure perfect results, remember that the cod requires overnight soaking to remove excess salt – a small but critical step that influences the overall taste. Whether you choose to prepare your potatoes from scratch or take a shortcut with pre-cut fries, this recipe is designed to be both authentic and accessible, ensuring you can enjoy a taste of Portugal at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried salt cod fish
1 1/2-2 lbs (soaked overnight, boiled until tender, and flaked)
russet potatoes
8 (peeled and cut into matchstick pieces)
olive oil
divided (used for frying and sautéing)
medium onions
3 (cut in half and sliced thinly)
bay leaves
4 (whole)
eggs
6-8 (beaten)
chopped parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
minced garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh)
hot pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (optional)
Tabasco sauce
3 dashes (optional)
green or black olives
to taste (whole or sliced)
salt and black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
lemon
1 (wedged for squeezing)
Instructions
1
Soak the dried salt cod in water overnight to remove excess salt.
2
The next day, change the water and place the cod in a pot, covering it with fresh water. Boil the cod for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain and allow it to cool. Once cooled, flake the cod into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a large non-stick pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the matchstick potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, adding additional olive oil as needed. Once cooked, transfer the fries to a glass dish lined with paper towels to keep warm in a low-temperature oven.
4
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the bay leaves. Let them simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove and discard the bay leaves.
5
Add the minced garlic and sliced onions to the pan. Sauté until the onions are translucent and starting to soften, about 5 minutes. If using hot pepper flakes, add them now and stir well.
6
Stir in the chopped parsley and let it sauté for an additional minute before adding the flaked cod. Toss gently until the cod heats through.
7
Pour the beaten eggs over the cod mixture. Stir constantly to prevent the eggs from sticking, letting them cook gently until they resemble scrambled eggs.
8
Once the cod and egg mixture reaches the desired consistency, gently fold in the prepared fried potatoes.
9
Add olives if desired and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10
For serving, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top and incorporate a dash of Tabasco sauce if desired. Enjoy your Bacalhau à Brás with a smile!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bacalhau à Brás?
Bacalhau à Brás is a beloved Portuguese dish featuring tender salt cod, golden matchstick potatoes, and sautéed onions bound together with scrambled eggs.
Where does Bacalhau à Brás originate?
It originates from the coastal regions of Portugal and is particularly cherished in the Azores Islands.
How long must the salt cod be soaked?
The dried salt cod requires soaking in water overnight to remove excess salt.
Why is soaking the cod a critical step?
Soaking is essential to remove the heavy salt content which influences the overall taste of the dish.
How do you prepare the cod after soaking?
Boil the cod in fresh water for about 15 minutes until tender, then drain, cool, and flake it into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of potatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 8 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces.
How are the matchstick potatoes cooked?
They are fried in batches in olive oil until they are golden and crispy.
Can I use a shortcut for the potatoes?
Yes, you can take a shortcut by using pre-cut fries instead of making them from scratch.
How should the onions be prepared?
Use 3 medium onions, cut them in half, and slice them thinly.
What role do bay leaves play in this recipe?
Four whole bay leaves are simmered in olive oil for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavor and then discarded before adding other ingredients.
How many eggs are required for the dish?
The recipe requires 6 to 8 beaten eggs to bind the cod and potato mixture.
How do you cook the eggs into the mixture?
Pour the beaten eggs over the cod mixture and stir constantly until they reach a scrambled egg consistency.
When should the potatoes be added back to the pan?
Gently fold the prepared fried potatoes into the mixture once the cod and eggs reach the desired consistency.
What type of olives are recommended?
You can use green or black olives, either whole or sliced, according to your taste.
How do you serve Bacalhau à Brás?
Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and an optional dash of Tabasco sauce for a burst of freshness and heat.
Is there a specific way to keep fries warm while cooking other components?
Transfer cooked fries to a glass dish lined with paper towels and keep them in a low-temperature oven.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
What provides the fresh herbal flavor in the dish?
1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley is sautéed briefly with the onions and garlic.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes and 3 dashes of Tabasco sauce if desired.
How much salt cod is needed?
You will need between 1 1/2 to 2 lbs of dried salt cod fish.
What is the primary fat used for cooking?
Olive oil is used for both frying the potatoes and sautéing the aromatics.
How long should you sauté the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and soft.
What kind of dish is Bacalhau à Brás considered?
It is categorized as comfort food and a hearty seafood meal.
When are the bay leaves removed?
They are removed after simmering in the oil for 2-3 minutes, before adding the garlic and onions.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them to the pan?
Yes, the 6-8 eggs should be beaten before being poured over the cod.
What texture does the salt cod have?
Once boiled and flaked, the salt cod has a tender and flaky texture.
Is salt added to the final dish?
Salt and black pepper are added at the end to taste, though be cautious as the cod may still retain some saltiness.
What is the significance of the lemon juice?
The acidity of the lemon juice helps elevate the flavors and provides a fresh contrast to the rich eggs and potatoes.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, with cod and 6-8 eggs, this dish is considered a high-protein meal.
What occasions is this dish traditionally served for?
It is traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions in Portugal.