| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 452 | 27g | 4g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 24g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Portuguese Codfish Braga-Style
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into a dish near and dear to my heart—Codfish Braga-Style. This is a beloved Portuguese recipe that’s packed with a variety of flavors, from salted cod to paprika-spiced potatoes. As an Italian-American chef, I affectionately link this dish to my own heritage—it’s just the kind of comfort food my Italian grandparents might have also loved to cook, laden with richly seasoned ingredients and served warm from the kitchen. And now, it’s a recipe I get to share with my own grandchildren.
Falling in Love with Codfish Braga-Style
As much as I love the classic Italian-American fare of my childhood—spaghetti, meatballs and their ilk—I’ve also fallen for the more exotic charm of Portuguese recipes. And, Codfish Braga-Style has captivated me like no other dish. The wonderfully potent combination of olive oil, garlic, and paprika brings the salted cod to life; the potatoes, bell peppers, and onions add a grounding bed of deliciousness; and the unexpected pop of black olives is a delightful twist. This is a dish that rewards the adventurous eater, beckoning them back for seconds… and then thirds.
A Dish Inspired
It’s important to note that, while I was not directly trained by a Portuguese chef, my exploration of this recipe was largely inspired by Portuguese chef José Avillez, a renowned culinary figure who has done much to elevate Portuguese cuisine globally. You can find out more about his influence here.
Like the many diverse meals prepared by my Italian grandparents, Codfish Braga-Style is a meal that fosters connection. It’s perfect when served as a main dish, but it’s also hearty enough to hold its own in a buffet spread. I personally love pairing it with a side of crisp, green salad or, surrounded by family at the dining table, with a generous glass of red wine. It even holds its own next to an Italian classic like spaghetti aglio e olio.
So, whether you’re embracing your Portuguese roots, exploring new culinary avenues, or simply looking for a comforting and delightful dish, I urge you to try Codfish Braga-Style. To me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than sharing beloved recipes with fellow food enthusiasts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lb salted cod
- 1.5 lb potatoes
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup black olives
- 4 boiled eggs
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking the salted cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water approximately 2-3 times in between to remove excess salt. After soaking, drain and cut into pieces.
Step Two
Peel the potatoes and cut them into round slices. Boil them in salted water until they are just beginning to get tender, then drain and set them aside.
Step Three
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions, minced garlic and the sliced green and red bell peppers. Cook until they are softened and the onions are translucent.
Step Four
Add the paprika to the skillet and stir to blend the flavors. Then, add the canned crushed tomatoes and stir again. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step Five
Turn the heat to low and add the soaked and cut codfish pieces to the skillet. Mix them gently with the tomato mixture, ensuring that they are well covered. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Six
Add the boiled potato slices and black olives to the skillet. Stir gently to mix, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step Seven
Cut the boiled eggs into quarters and place them on top of the dish. Sprinkle with the fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Your Codfish Braga-Style is ready to enjoy!
