How to Cook Bacalao: A Delightful Dried and Salted Cod Dish

Looking for a special dish to enhance your holiday menu? Try bacalao. This delicious dish, popular in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, features dried and salted cod, offering a unique flavor experience.

Ingredients You'll Need:

To prepare this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of dried and salted cod
• 2 medium-sized onions
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 red bell peppers
• 1 can of tomatoes (diced or crushed)
• 1 cup of pitted black olives
• ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Let's Get Cooking!

1. Rehydrating the Cod:

   • Soak the dried and salted cod in cold water for 24 hours. Change the water at least three times to remove excess salt and rehydrate the fish.

   • After soaking, drain the water and pat the cod dry with a paper towel. Remove any bones and skin, and cut the fish into medium-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Preparing the Aromatic Base:

   • Chop the onions, garlic cloves, and red bell peppers into small pieces.

   • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden.

   • Add the garlic and red bell peppers to the pan and sauté until tender.

3. Bringing It All Together:

   • Add the diced or crushed tomatoes to the pan. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

   • Carefully place the cod pieces into the pan, ensuring they are surrounded by the aromatic base.

   • Season the cod with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness from the drying process.

   • Cover the pan and let the bacalao simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the cod to absorb the flavors.

   • Stir in the pitted black olives just before serving to add a delightful briny taste.

4. Presenting Your Bacalao:

   • After simmering, your bacalao is ready! Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color.

   • This dish pairs well with white rice, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes. Add a side of green salad or cooked vegetables for balance.

Bacalao is a cherished dish that brings vibrant flavors to your holiday table. Gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your family and friends with this tasty bacalao recipe!