Bacalhau à Brás
Cod à Brás.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Bacalhau (salt cod) has been a staple in Portuguese cuisine for centuries, dating back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorers discovered the abundant cod fisheries in the North Atlantic. Preserving the cod with salt allowed for long voyages and provided a reliable food source. While the exact origins of Bacalhau à Brás are debated, it is widely believed to have originated in the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon.
Bacalhau à Brás is more than just a dish; it's a symbol of Portuguese culinary heritage and resourcefulness. It represents the country's long relationship with the sea and its ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It is a comforting and familiar dish often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.
A Dish for All Occasions
Bacalhau à Brás is a versatile dish often served for lunch or dinner. It's commonly found on restaurant menus throughout Portugal and is a popular choice for home cooks due to its relatively simple preparation and readily available ingredients.
Symbol of Resourcefulness
The dish highlights the Portuguese ability to create diverse and flavorful meals from humble ingredients. The preservation of cod through salting showcases the ingenuity of earlier generations in securing a vital food source.
Family Tradition
Preparing and sharing Bacalhau à Brás is often a cherished family tradition, with each household having its own slightly different version passed down through generations.
Bacalhau à Brás boasts a harmonious blend of salty cod, creamy eggs, crispy potatoes, and the subtle aroma of garlic and parsley.
The primary flavor component is the salt cod (bacalhau), which, after being desalted, provides a distinct salty and slightly fishy taste. This is balanced by the richness of the scrambled eggs, which coat the other ingredients and add a creamy texture. The thinly cut, almost straw-like fried potatoes contribute a satisfying crunch and a mild, earthy flavor. Garlic and parsley provide aromatic notes, adding freshness and complexity to the overall flavor profile. Black olives provide a salty and briny counterpoint.
Desalting the Cod
Properly desalting the cod is crucial. Soak it in cold water for 24-48 hours, changing the water several times, until the saltiness is reduced to the desired level. Taste a small piece to check.
Crispy Potatoes
Use very thin, matchstick-sized potatoes that are evenly fried until golden brown and crispy. Some cooks prefer to use store-bought shoestring potatoes for convenience.
Gentle Scrambling
Scramble the eggs gently over low heat, ensuring they remain soft and creamy, not dry and rubbery. They should just barely set and coat the other ingredients.
Fresh Herbs
Use fresh parsley, finely chopped, to add a vibrant aroma and flavor to the dish.
Olive Oil Quality
Use a good quality Portuguese olive oil for frying the potatoes and for finishing the dish. It adds to the overall flavor.
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