The approach of Holy Week brings traditional sweet and savory recipes to the family table, with fish being one of the star ingredients. Cod, in particular, is often prepared in various ways and is one of the most cherished dishes in Spanish cuisine. During this week, many people set aside meat-based recipes and focus on cooking fish in its many forms. For this reason, today we present a quintessential Spanish dish: Bacalao a la Vizcaína...
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Cut the cod into pieces and place them in a container filled with water. Let them soak for 24 hours, changing the water several times during this period.
Drain the cod pieces and remove the bones.
Place the cod in a pot, cover with water, and cook until foam begins to form.
Remove the cod pieces and let them drain on a clean cloth.
In a skillet, heat half of the olive oil and add 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced. Lightly brown the cod pieces in the oil, then remove and set aside.
Cut the red peppers in half, remove the seeds, and soak them in hot water for 1 hour. Afterward, scrape out the pulp and discard the skin. Set the pulp aside.
In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and add the diced cured ham and the remaining garlic clove, along with the chopped onion.
Cook over low heat, ensuring the ham does not brown, then add the red pepper pulp and the tomatoes (peeled, seeded, and chopped).
Season with salt, white pepper, and spicy chili pepper to taste. Continue cooking over low heat for 10 minutes.
In a casserole dish, spread a layer of the sauce and place the reserved cod pieces on top, ensuring they do not overlap.
Cook over low heat, gently moving the casserole dish for about 10 minutes.
Ensure you change the water several times while soaking the cod to remove excess salt.
Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
Gently move the casserole dish while cooking to avoid breaking the cod pieces.
Serve the dish in individual casserole dishes for an authentic presentation.
Why do I need to soak the cod for 24 hours?
Soaking the cod removes the excess salt from the drying process and rehydrates the fish, making it tender and ready for cooking.
Can I use fresh cod instead of dried cod?
This recipe traditionally uses dried cod for its unique flavor and texture, but you can use fresh cod if dried cod is unavailable. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What can I use as a substitute for cured ham?
If cured ham is unavailable, you can use pancetta or prosciutto as a substitute, but the flavor profile may vary slightly.
How spicy should the dish be?
The level of spiciness is up to your preference. Add chili pepper gradually and taste as you go to achieve the desired heat level.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cod separately in advance. Combine and heat them together just before serving.
