Portuguese Style Cod

Portuguese style cod is a traditional dish from Portuguese cuisine that has become popular in many countries in Europe and South America. It is said that the dish has its roots in the era of great discoveries, when Portuguese sailors carried cod aboard their ships during long sea voyages.

The cod was preserved salted and cooked in many different ways to prevent it from spoiling. One of the most popular ways to prepare it was Portuguese style, which involved cooking the cod with garlic, onion, and tomato.

Over time, the dish has adapted to different regions and been modified with local ingredients, but it remains a highly appreciated dish in Portugal and other countries. Today, Portuguese cod can be found in many restaurants and food houses in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

To make Portuguese style cod, it is important to keep the following in mind:

It is important to choose fresh or good quality desalted cod. Fresh cod can be found in most supermarkets and fish shops. Desalted cod can be found in the same stores, but can also be bought canned.

Flaking the cod is an important step in the preparation of this dish. To do this, the cod should be soaked in cold water for a few hours before cooking, so that it softens and is easier to flake.

Adding a good amount of chopped garlic and onion to the preparation will give the dish a lot of flavor. Other ingredients such as tomatoes, peppers, and white wine can also be added to give it an even more complex flavor.

Before explaining the step by step of the recipe, if you like cod, here is another dish that you might be interested in: Cod in Green Sauce.

How to make the recipe Portuguese Style Cod

1. desalt the cod for at least 24 hours or 36h, changing the water every 8 or 12 hours carefully.
2. Cut the cod into pieces and set it aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add cod and fry it until it is golden.
4. Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and red pepper and fry for a few more minutes.
5. Add the chopped garlic and fry for one more minute.
6. Pour in the white wine and let it cook for a few minutes.
7. Add the fish broth and let it cook for about 20 more minutes, or until the cod is soft.
8. As an option, you can add some peeled and chopped tomato at the end of the cooking.
9. Season with pepper and salt (tasting first as the cod might be bland).
10. Serve the Portuguese style cod hot, accompanied by white rice or boiled potatoes. It can also be served with a green salad or a tomato and onion salad. Here are some tips to accompany the dish:

Notes and Tips

Here are some tips for accompanying the Portuguese cod dish:

White rice: White rice is a traditional option to accompany Portuguese cod. The rice can be served separately or mixed with the cod in the same dish.

Boiled potatoes: Boiled potatoes are another traditional option to accompany Portuguese cod. They can be served with skin or peeled, depending on preference.

Green salad: A fresh green salad, like a lettuce salad, is a healthy and delicious way to accompany Portuguese cod.

Tomato and onion salad: A tomato and onion salad is another simple and delicious way to accompany Portuguese cod. It can be served cold or hot, depending on preference.

Fresh bread: Fresh bread is a perfect option for dipping in the sauce of the Portuguese cod and to accompany the dish.

Red wine: A soft and fruity red wine is an excellent choice to accompany Portuguese cod. It is recommended to choose a wine with a fruity and mild flavor so as not to overpower the flavor of the cod.

How did you do, Foodies? Did you like the recipe? We would love for you to leave us in the comments below, how you prepared it at home.