Bacalhau com Natas
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Bacalhau com Natas, a beloved Portuguese comfort dish that combines tender shredded salted cod with golden sautéed onions, lightly fried potatoes, and a luscious béchamel cream sauce. Topped with a blanket of melted cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is a decadent celebration of traditional Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly seasoned with nutmeg, black pepper, and garlic, this casserole dish delivers a delightful balance of savory and creamy textures in every bite. Serve it hot alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is ideal for special family gatherings or cozy nights in, offering an authentic taste of Portugal straight from your oven.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams salted cod
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pieces large onions
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 500 grams medium potatoes
- 250 milliliters heavy cream
- 200 milliliters milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 0.5 teaspoons grated nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0 to taste salt
- 100 grams grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove any surface salt. Submerge the cod in cold water and place in the refrigerator to soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water 2-3 times.
Step 2
After soaking, drain the cod and place it in a large pot. Cover it with fresh water and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the fish is tender. Remove the cod from the water, let it cool slightly, and shred it into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones and skin.
Step 3
Peel and thinly slice the onions. Crush the garlic cloves.
Step 4
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent and golden, about 10 minutes.
Step 5
Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. In a separate pan, fry the potato slices in a bit of olive oil until they are golden and partially cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 7
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, then add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with grated nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Step 8
Combine the shredded cod, sautéed onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Add the fried potatoes and pour the cream sauce over everything. Gently mix to ensure even coating.
Step 9
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 11
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Bacalhau com Natas with a crisp green salad or crusty bread on the side.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1958.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3948.3 |
| Total Fat 199.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 97.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g | |
| Cholesterol 1187.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 43215.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 144.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 28.3g | |
| Protein 357.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 112.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1421.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3151.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories