Codfish A La Vizcaina(Bacalao A La Vizcaina)
A traditional Basque dish featuring tender salted codfish layered with potatoes and onions in a flavorful tomato and pimiento sauce, perfect for seafood lovers. Suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak salted codfish in water to cover for 4 hours.
- Drain well and boil rapidly in 8 cups of water for 15 minutes.
- Drain, discard skin and bones, and shred the flesh.
- Mix tomato sauce, water, olive oil, chopped pimientos, stuffed olives, bay leaf, capers, raisins, and garlic.
- In a large frying pan, arrange alternate layers of codfish, sliced potatoes, sliced onions, and the mixture.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cook over low heat, covered, for 30 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce mixture. If fresh cod is unavailable, look for frozen alternatives, but ensure they are unsalted. You can substitute olives with capers for a different tang. For a bit more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the layers. This dish pairs beautifully with Strawberries A L'Orange for a refreshing dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bacalao A La Vizcaina with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light salad or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to balance the richness of the cod. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with Hunter'S Stew(Bigos) for a comforting experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Codfish A La Vizcaina(Bacalao A La Vizcaina) contains roughly 921 calories, with 14g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 806mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cod instead of dried, salted codfish?
Yes, you can use fresh cod, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh cod will not require soaking or boiling as dried cod does. Just layer the fresh fish in the dish and proceed with the recipe. The end result will be lighter and less salty.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance. Make sure to check after the 30 minutes cooking time, as cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the potato slices.
What can I substitute for pimientos?
If you can't find pimientos, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute. You can also use diced bell peppers for a milder flavor. Just ensure they are chopped finely so they integrate well into the dish. This flexibility allows you to adjust the recipe to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).