Stewed Codfish

Prep: 510 min Cuisine: Mediterranean

A flavorful traditional dish featuring tender stewed cod with onions, green pepper, and stewed tomatoes, perfect for those who enjoy savory, Mediterranean-inspired seafood dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb dry cod (bacala)
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup stewed tomatoes
  • 3 Tbsp cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Soak dry cod in cold water for 6 to 8 hours.
  2. Drain the soaked cod.
  3. Bring the cod to a boil, then drain and taste.
  4. If the cod is too salty, soak it in cold water again.
  5. Taste the cod at 15-minute intervals until the excess salt is removed.
  6. Drain the cod and set aside.

Tips & Substitutions

To reduce saltiness, ensure you taste the cod frequently while soaking; the soaking time can vary based on the cod's salinity. You can substitute dry cod with other salted fish, like salt cod or bacalao, but the soaking process remains essential. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like bay leaves or paprika while simmering the stew.

Serving Suggestions

Serve stewed cod with a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Swiss Chard With Tomatoes for a vibrant, nutritious meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the cod.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover stewed cod 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 or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can toughen the fish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Stewed Codfish contains roughly 539 calories, with 8g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

539 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.5g 17% DV
Total Fat 35.3g 45% DV
Carbs 58g 21% DV
Fiber 15.1g 54% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 298.1mg 13% DV
Potassium 976.9mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 104mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 41.4mg 46% DV
Calcium 253.7mg 20% DV
Iron 6.1mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Fish

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

How can I tell if the cod is properly soaked?

The cod should be tender and less salty after soaking. Taste a small piece; if it's still too salty, continue soaking and checking every 15 minutes until it's to your liking.

Can I use fresh cod instead of dry cod?

Yes, fresh cod can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as it doesn't require soaking. Simply season and cook it in the stewed tomato sauce until flaky and cooked through.

What other ingredients can I add to the stew?

Feel free to enhance the stew with olives, capers, or even potatoes for heartiness. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving can also brighten the dish.

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).

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