How to Make Codfish with Cream - A Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most beloved dishes in Portuguese cuisine is Codfish with Cream, known as Bacalhau com Natas in Portuguese. This dish is a delicious and hearty casserole that combines the rich flavors of salted codfish with a creamy béchamel sauce. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Originating from Portugal, this dish has become popular in many other countries with a strong seafood tradition, such as Spain and Brazil. Sal...

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Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dried salted cod fish
  • vegetable oil for frying
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into very small cubes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced thin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup hot milk
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 day
  • Total Time: 1 day 1 hr 30 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Soak the dried salted cod in cold water with the skin side up for 24 hours, changing the water about 4 times. Drain and discard the water.
  • Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the cod in a pan with enough water to cover; bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the cod from the pan; remove and discard the skin and bones. Cut the cod into chunks and set aside.
  • Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, fry the potatoes in the hot oil until just cooked, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
  • Pour the olive oil into a Dutch oven or heat-proof casserole dish over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the cod and cook another 3 minutes; stir the potatoes into the mixture and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • Melt the butter in a separate pan over medium-low heat; vigorously stir the flour into the melted butter. Slowly stream the hot milk into the mixture while stirring; cook and stir until thick. Season with the nutmeg. Pour into the casserole with 1 1/3 cups cream; stir to coat. Allow the mixture to simmer together for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle remaining 2/3 cup cream over the mixture; sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the top is browned, 30 to 40 minutes. Serve hot.
  • Nutrition

    2266 cal.

    • Total Fat: 190g
    • Saturated Fat: 50g
    • Cholesterol: 311mg
    • Sodium: 6200mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 77g
    • Dietary Fiber: 9g
    • Total Sugars: 8g
    • Protein: 69g
    • Vitamin C: 80mg
    • Calcium: 422mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 3051mg