Bacalhau com Natas: A Taste of Portugal Made Simple
Discover the charm of Portuguese cuisine with our Uncomplicated Elegance: Easy Bacalhau com Natas recipe. This culinary masterpiece effortlessly blends the distinct flavors of salted cod, creamy potatoes, and a velvety béchamel sauce, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and easy to make at home. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe invites you to embrace the simplicity of Portuguese gastronomy without compromising on taste.
From the first chop to the final forkful, experience the culinary poetry that defines easy Bacalhau com Natas – a dish that embodies the soul of Portugal and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
You may also be interested in the Carne de Porco à Alentejana Recipe, Spanish Fries Patatas Bravas, or Lazy Eggplants Recipe. You can also check out our other Main Dishes recipes.
Bacalhau com Natas
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes peeled and diced
- 14 oz soaked cod
- 2 ½ cups milk
- ⅘ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 pc large onion finely sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- nutmeg to taste
- grated cheese to taste
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉(180℃).
- In a large saucepan, cook the cod in milk over medium heat until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and transparent.
- Drain the cod, reserving the milk. Remove the skin and bones from the cod and cut it into flakes. Add it to the onion mixture and let it cook slowly.
- Sprinkle with flour, stir, and pour in the strained milk from cooking the cod. Let it thicken, stirring occasionally.
- In another pan, fry the cubed potatoes in oil that is not too hot so that the potatoes look more cooked than fried.
- Drain the potatoes and add them to the cod mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread the heavy cream on top. Sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until well browned.
Notes
- You can substitute some of the ingredients in the Creamed Cod (Bacalhau com Natas) recipe. For example, you can use pre-frozen fried potatoes instead of fresh potatoes.
- You could also use frozen cod instead of soaking salted cod. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese for the topping or add other seasonings to taste.
- You can use a different type of dairy product instead of heavy cream in the Creamed Cod (Bacalhau com Natas) recipe.
- Some options include half-and-half, whole milk, or even non-dairy milk such as almond or coconut milk.
- Keep in mind that using a different type of dairy product may change the texture and flavor of the dish.
- If you want to keep the creamy texture but reduce the fat content, you could try using a mixture of whole milk and Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese.
- Experiment and see what works best for you!
