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cod with cream in the baking tray

Cod with Cream - Bacalhau com Natas

4.50 from 8 votes
Bacalhau com Natas (Cod with cream) is one of the most classic cod dishes in Portugal. A simple and delicious recipe, perfect for family lunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Baking 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4 people

Adjust servings

Ingredients

  • 600 g desalted cod
  • 5 potatoes
  • 2 onions
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • olive oil
  • vegetable oil - for frying potatoes
  • 2 tbsp parsley - chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 1 liter milk
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • grated cheese - to gratin
  • nutmeg - to taste
  • Salt and black pepper - to taste

Instructions

Cook and shred the cod

  • Place a pot with water to boil, 2 cloves of coarsely crushed garlic and 2 bay leaves.
  • When the water boils, add the cod to the pan.
  • As soon as the water boils again, cover the pan, remove from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes. This process will leave the cod at the right point for the recipe.
  • Remove the cod from the water and wait until it cools down.
  • Remove the skin and bones, shred the cod and set aside.

Prepare the potatoes

  • Peel and cut the potatoes into cubes of approx. 1cm.
  • Fry them in oil until they are soft, do not let them become too golden.

Sauté the cod

  • Cut the onions into julienne: cut in half lengthwise and then slice them into thin half-moon.
  • In a frying pan, sauté the onion in oil until softened. Then add the shredded cod, mix well. Finally, add the potatoes. Cook for approx. 5 min.
  • Add the chopped parsley and set aside.

Prepare the bechamel sauce

  • In a saucepan, add 3 tbsp of butter.
  • When the butter has melted, add 3 tbsp. of white flour. Stir well with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes.
  • Add the cold milk. Over high heat, stir the sauce with a fouet until it boils.
  • Lower the heat, and let the sauce cook and thicken for 10 min. Stir occasionally.
  • Finally, season with salt, nutmeg and black pepper.
  • Remove from heat and add the heavy cream to the pan. Mix well.

Assembly

  • In a baking dish, add the sauteed cod and on top add the cream sauce.
  • Cover with grated cheese.
  • Let the baking dish rest while preheating the oven to 200ºC.
  • Place it in the oven to bake for 20 min or until golden.
  • Remove from the oven and serve.

EQUIPMENT

Baking Tray
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