Gratinated Codfish (Bacalhau Gratinado)

Neuza Costa

19 May, 2023

This cod dish is a favorite at home and a staple at our Christmas Eve dinner.
It reminds of the traditional Portuguese dish "Bacalhau com Natas," but the carrot adds a special texture and flavor.
This is an excellent choice for any celebration.
Serve this dish with a mixed salad.

Ingredients

• 4 soaked codfish loins
• 850 g (1.9 lbs) of frying potatoes, cut into small cubes
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 400 g (14 oz) of grated carrot
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 bay leaves
• 200 ml (6.76 fl oz) of olive oil
• 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) of béchamel sauce
• 200 ml (6.76 fl oz) of whipping cream
• 200 g (7 oz) of grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 liter (1.05 qt) of oil for frying
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg

Instructions

1. 1
   In a boiling water pot, cook the codfish.
   Once the water boils, let it cook for 5 minutes.
   Remove it with a slotted spoon, place it on a plate, and let it cool.

   Mark as done
2. 2
   In the meantime, heat the frying oil.
   Fry the potatoes until golden brown.
   Place the fried potatoes on a tray lined with absorbent paper.
   Repeat the process until all potatoes are fried.
   If the codfish is not too salty, season the potatoes with salt.

   Mark as done
3. 3
   Remove the skin and bones from the codfish and shred it.

   Mark as done
4. 4
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil (reserve some for brushing the tray later), add onions, garlic, and bay leaves.
   Stir until the onion begins to brown.

   Mark as done
5. 5
   Add the carrot to the sauté, stir and let it cook thoroughly.
   Once everything is well sautéed, mix in the codfish.
   Generously season with pepper and nutmeg (preferably freshly ground).
   Stir until the codfish is well mixed with the sauté and let it heat thoroughly.

   Mark as done
6. 6
   Add the béchamel sauce and cream to the codfish.
   Stir and bring to a boil.
   Once it starts boiling, remove the bay leaves, turn off the heat, and finally, mix in the potatoes.

   Mark as done
7. 7
   Brush an oven-safe tray (preferably earthenware) with the remaining olive oil.
   Spread the codfish mixture in the tray and top with the grated cheese.

   Mark as done
8. 8
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and let it gratinate for approximately 35 minutes.
   Once the codfish is gratinated and golden, remove it from the oven and serve.

   Mark as done

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