Spanish Basque Salt Cod Casserole (Bacalao a La Vizcaina)

May 11, 2023May 11, 20230 2
Spanish Basque Salt Cod Casserole (Bacalao a La Vizcaina) recipe for a hearty dinner
in Seafood

Prep

25 min + 24 hrs soaking time

Cook

1 hour

Ready In

1 hour 25 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 lbs dried salt cod fish , best quality ( use only the lean side portions , not the fatty center )
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lard
1/4 lb bacon , diced
1/4 lb smoked ham , diced
4 large mild red onions , chopped
2 garlic cloves
3 parsley sprigs
2 cups boiling water
8 -10 canned pimientos , diced ( enough to give the finished dish a rich red color )
3 tomatoes , peeled , seeded , and cubed
2 hard-cooked egg yolks
water
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
salt and pepper
1 dash cayenne
sugar ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
459
Sugar
6g
Fat
34g
Bacalao a La Vizcaina is a traditional Basque dish that has been enjoyed in Spain for centuries. This hearty salt cod casserole is a rich and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. By combining salt cod with bacon, smoked ham, onions, and pimientos, this dish creates a unique flavor profile that is both savory and sweet. The topping of soft breadcrumbs adds a pleasing crunch to the dish, while the cayenne and sugar help to balance out the flavors. Serve with crusty bread and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Instructions

1.Soak the salt cod in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water several times.
2.Drain and rinse the cod, then cut into chunks.
3.Heat the olive oil and lard in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and smoked ham and fry until crispy.
4.Add the chopped onions, garlic, and parsley, and cook until the onions are translucent.
5.Add the cod to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes, stirring gently so as not to break up the fish.
6.Add the boiling water to the skillet, along with the diced pimientos, cubed tomatoes, and crumbled egg yolks.
7.Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and sugar (if using), and stir to combine.
8.Cover the skillet and simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the cod is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
9.Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and sprinkle with the soft breadcrumbs.
10.Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp.

PROS

This Spanish Basque Salt Cod Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a winter dinner.

The blend of salt cod, onions, bacon, and smoked ham creates a complex and rich flavor profile.

It can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great choice for meal prep or leftovers.

CONS

The soaking process for the salt cod takes 24 hours, so some advance planning is required.

This dish is quite high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, the salt cod does provide a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
The onions and garlic are also rich in antioxidants, which can provide some health benefits.

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